Ponera
Ant genus · 64 species · 56 countries
- Genus
- Ponera
- Subfamily
- Ponerinae
- Tribe
- Ponerini
- Distribution
- Found in 56 countries
- Colony form
- monogynous, polygynous, optionally polygynous
- Nuptial flight
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Species count
- 64 species (5 fossil)
About Ponera
Ponera is a genus within the family Formicidae , classified in the subfamily Ponerinae (tribe Ponerini) . AntScout currently documents 64 species in this genus, distributed across 56 countries , including Algeria, American Samoa, Australia, Austria, Belgium.
Species in this genus exhibit monogynous and polygynous and optionally polygynous colony structures. Monogynous colonies have a single reproductive queen, making them straightforward to start from a single founding queen - ideal for beginner ant keepers. Polygynous colonies can host multiple queens, allowing for rapid colony growth.
Nuptial flights of Ponera species have been recorded during: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. These flights are when new queens and males leave the nest to mate - the best time to find a founding queen in the wild.
Where Ponera Is Found
Species in this genus are documented in 56 countries:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species does Ponera have?
The genus Ponera includes 64 species documented on AntScout, spread across 56 countries. 5 of these are fossil species.
Where do Ponera ants live?
Ponera species are found in 56 countries , including Algeria, American Samoa, Australia, Austria, Belgium. Distribution varies by species - check individual species pages for precise range maps.
When do Ponera ants have their nuptial flight?
Nuptial flights of Ponera species have been observed in Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. This is the best time to find a founding queen in the wild. Use the AntScout flight calendar for species-specific predictions.
Can I buy Ponera ants?
Ponera ants may be available from ant dealers depending on your region. Some species are popular in the hobby and regularly sold as founding queens or small colonies. Check local antkeeping communities or specialty shops in your country.
Are Ponera ants good for beginners?
This depends on the specific species. Some Ponera species are beginner-friendly with straightforward care requirements, while others may need specific conditions. Browse the individual species profiles below for care difficulty and requirements.
All Ponera Species (64)
Click a species to view its full profile, including distribution map, care information, nuptial flight calendar, and identification photos.
- Ponera adumbrans
- Ponera alisana
- Ponera alpha 2 countries
- Ponera augusta 1 country
- Ponera baka 1 country
- Ponera bawana monogynous
- Ponera bishamon monogynous
- Ponera borneensis
- Ponera chapmani
- Ponera chiponensis monogynous
- Ponera clavicornis 6 countries
- Ponera coarctata Indolent Ant 15 countries monogynouspolygynousoptionally polygynous
- Ponera colaensis 2 countries
- Ponera diodonta
- Ponera elegantissima Fossil
- Ponera elegantula 1 country monogynous
- Ponera exotica Southern Porthole Ant 5 countries monogynous
- Ponera guangxiensis 2 countries
- Ponera hubeiensis
- Ponera incerta 10 countries
- Ponera indica 1 country monogynous
- Ponera japonica 2 countries monogynous
- Ponera kohmoku 1 country monogynous
- Ponera leae Blind Crypt Ant 4 countries monogynous
- Ponera leptocephala Fossil
- Ponera lobulifera Fossil
- Ponera loi 1 country
- Ponera longlina 1 country monogynous
- Ponera manni 1 country
- Ponera mayri Fossil
- Ponera menglana 2 countries monogynous
- Ponera nangongshana 2 countries monogynous
- Ponera oreas
- Ponera paedericera monogynous
- Ponera pennsylvanica Common Porthole Ant 2 countries monogynouspolygynousoptionally polygynous
- Ponera pentodontos
- Ponera petila 3 countries
- Ponera pianmana 1 country monogynous
- Ponera rishen
- Ponera scabra 2 countries
- Ponera selenophora 4 countries monogynouspolygynous
- Ponera shennong
- Ponera sikkimensis
- Ponera sinensis 2 countries
- Ponera swezeyi 8 countries monogynous
- Ponera syscena 1 country
- Ponera sysphinctoides
- Ponera szaboi 3 countries monogynous
- Ponera szentivanyi 2 countries
- Ponera taipingensis
- Ponera taiyangshen 1 country
- Ponera takaminei
- Ponera tamon 1 country monogynous
- Ponera taylori 1 country
- Ponera tenuis 7 countries
- Ponera terayamai 1 country monogynous
- Ponera testacea 16 countries monogynous
- Ponera tudigong 1 country
- Ponera wheeleri Fossil
- Ponera woodwardi 1 country monogynous
- Ponera wui monogynous
- Ponera xantha monogynous
- Ponera xenagos 1 country
- Ponera yuhuang monogynous