Characteristics

Bolton (2003) gives the following apomorphies of the Myrmicinae:

• Metapleural gland orifice a longitudinal slit or crescent, opening dorsally to posterodorsally, and not overhung by a cuticular flange or flap
• Petiole in posterior view with fused tergite and sternite equally convex, with their inner margins forming a circle
• Helcial tergite and sternite form a rough circle in frontal view, their apices meeting end to end, and the tergite not overlapping the sternite