They are most easily identified from other subfamilies by possessing a single-node petiole with a constriction before the second gastral segment.[3] They are rare examples of stinging ants.[4] In addition to the sting, they can also be characterized by a single segmented petiole and the constriction of the first and second segment of the gaster. They can also be identified[how?] by the shape of their head. Female workers have twelve segmented antennae, whereas male workers have 13 segmented antennae.[3]
These ants typically nest in soil, forest litter, or rotting logs, and are predacious.[5] They primarily prey on isopods. They mostly live in small colonies of up to 200 workers. They can be found mostly in tropical environments, but have been found in southeastern Canada and New York.[citation needed]
Schmidt, Chris (9 May 2013). "Molecular phylogenetics of ponerine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae)". Zootaxa. 3647 (2): 201–250. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3647.2.1. PMID26295106.
Schmidt, C.A.; Shattuck, S.O. (2014). "The higher classification of the ant subfamily Ponerinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with a review of ponerine ecology and behavior". Zootaxa. 3817: 1–242. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3817.1.1. PMID24943802.