Key to Ponera of Japan

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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• Japan
• Ponera

1

• First gastral tergite distinctly longer than wide in dorsal view . . . . . Ponera bishamon

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Disc of petiolar node thin; width more than 2.0 x length in dorsal view. Head wider (CI 86-91) . . . . . Ponera tamon