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subfamily
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Ponerinae
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Japanese Name
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Hari-ari-aka
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Description
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Worker and female generally elongate. Worker caste monomorphic, rarely polymorphic. Integument hard. Abdominal pedicel consisting of 1 segment (the petiole), which is usually large and without an elongated anterior peduncle. The two segments behind the petiole connected by a ball-and-socket-like joint (present but less-distinct in Odontomachus than elsewhere). This joint incorporates the anterior portion of the IV true abdominal segment (comprising its pretergite and presternite), which is separated from the remainder by a girdling constriction. Because of this structure, and the fact that the sides of its tergite and sternite are aligned and sometimes fused, the IV abdominal segment in ponerine ants is said to be "tubulate". Stridulatory organ present on second gastral pretergite, producing a rasping sound which elicits alert in some species. Sting developed at gastral apex, its effect in some species painful to humans. Legs generally with pectinate spurs at tibial apices; these sometimes lacking on middle and hind legs in smaller species. Anterior portion of first segment behind petiole with a semiglobular median structure, the "helcium", which limits upward flexion of the gaster.
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Remarks
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Size difference between workers and females is limited compared to other ants. Males and females are generally winged, with two cubital cells in the forewing. Rarely, in some species, wingless sexual forms (ergatogyne females and ergatomorphic males) are found. A few species lacking true queens reproduce using mated workers (gamergates). Winged forms emerge in late summer, following only brief residence in parent nests in most Japanese species. The subfamily Ponerinae includes diverse subgroups. Its higher classification differs depending on the author consulted. There are about 50 genera, usually grouped in 7 or more tribes. Among them, tribe Ponerini is the largest and most needful of further taxonomic study. Ponerinae are most abundant in tropical rain forested areas. Workers are carnivorous, and the larvae, with rare exceptions (some in Japan), spin cocoons prior to pupation. Colonies are usually small. Most Japanese ponerine ants are subterranean and can be readily collected using Berlese funnels.
The known Japanese ponerine fauna presently comprises 41 species assigned to 12 genera. Two species remain either undescribed or nomenclaturally undetermined at species level.
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Editor
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Original text by Masao Kubota. English translation by Kazuo Ogata. Modified by Keiichi Onoyama, edited by Robert W. Taylor.
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