Key to Ponera of Japan

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This worker key is based on: Terayama, M. 1996b. Taxonomic studies on the Japanese Formicidae, part 2. Seven genera of Ponerinae, Cerapachyinae and Myrmicinae. Nature and Human Activities. 1:9-32.

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1

  • First gastral tergite distinctly longer than wide in dorsal view . . . . . Ponera bishamon
Ponera bishamon F17.jpg
Ponera bishamon F18-20.jpg
  • First gastral tergite as long as wide in dorsal view . . . . . 2

2

return to couplet #1

  • In lateral view, upper portion of posterior border of petiolar node overhung . . . . . Ponera takaminei
Ponera takaminei F7.jpg
Ponera takaminei F8-9.jpg
  • In lateral view, posterior border of petiolar node not overhung . . . . . 3

3

return to couplet #2

  • Byes large, consisting of more than 20 facets. Posterior border of petiolar node straight in dorsal view . . . . . Ponera kohmoku
Ponera kohmoku F4.jpg
Ponera kohmoku F5-6.jpg
  • Byes small, consisting of less than 10 facets. Posterior border of petiolar node more or Jess concave in dorsal view . . . . . 4

4

return to couplet #3

  • Larger species (TL>3.0 mm). Dorsa of mesonotum and petiolar node coarsely punctate; punctures separated by Jess than 0.5 x their own diameters . . . . . 5
  • Smaller species (TL<2.5 mm). Dorsa of mesonotum and petiolar node sparsely punctate; punctures separated by more than 1.0 x their own diameters . . . . . 6

5

return to couplet #4

  • Punctures on 2nd gastral tergite as in those on 1st one . . . . . Ponera scabra
Ponera scabra H casent0281908.jpg
Ponera scabra P casent0281908.jpg
  • Punctures on 2nd gastral tergite shallower and sparser than those on 1st one . . . . . Ponera yakushimensis

6

return to couplet #4

  • Yellow colored species; lateral mesonotal sutures obscure . . . . . Ponera swezeyi
Ponera swezeyi casent0173001 head 1.jpg
Ponera swezeyi casent0173001 profile 1.jpg
  • Body black to blackish brown; lateral rnesonotal sutures distinctly incised . . . . . 7

7

return to couplet #6

  • Disc of petiolar node thick; maximum width less than 2.0x length in dorsal view. Head narrower (CI 77-82) . . . . . Ponera japonica
Ponera japonica casent0008646 head 1.jpg
Ponera japonica casent0008646 profile 1.jpg
  • Disc of petiolar node thin; width more than 2.0 x length in dorsal view. Head wider (CI 86-91) . . . . . Ponera tamon
Ponera tamon F13.jpg
Ponera tamon F13-16.jpg