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Identification

Ant species can be identified by a number of characters, including
number of nodes in the narrow waist between the gaster and thorax and number of antenna segments.

Below are a few characteristics used to identify
specimens:

Number of nodes (1 or 2) in the waist:

One node shown here
Two nodes shown here

Number of antenna segments (just count!) [usually 10-12]

Note: first segment (1) is the long scape

Antenna ending in a distinct club or not

Distinctly clubbed antennae
Antennae without club

Presence or absence of spines:

Spines indicated at arrow

Shape of opening at end of gaster (circle or slit)

Opening a circle
Opening a slit

Certain characteristics are unique to certain genera or kinds of ants, at least locally:

Long spindly legs (Aphaenogaster)

Heart-shaped gaster (last body segment) [Crematogaster]

Heart-shaped head of Dacetine

Spongiform growths on Dacetine

Jagged teeth on mandibles (Amblyoponinae)

Simple Dichotomous Key to Common Sub-Families of Ants of Lauderdale Co., Alabama

1.One node in the waist................................................................................	2
1. Two nodes in the waist.............................................................................	Myrmicinae (18 species)*
2. Broad node .............................................................................................	3
2. Narrow node ..........................................................................................	4
3. Jagged teeth present on mandible..............................................................	Ponerinae (2 species)*
3. Jagged teeth absent on mandible...............................................................	Amblyoponinae (1 species)*
4. Opening at end of gaster a circle ..............................................................	Formicinae (9 species)*
4. Opening at end of gaster a line .................................................................	Dolichoderinae (2 species)*

*number of species listed in parentheses is the number I found in Lauderdale County, Alabama

Glossary:
antenna- one of the two body long structures that extends off the head; used for communication
gaster-last body segment
mandible-jaw
node-middle body section between the thorax and gaster
spines-pointed structures that extend off the thorax in front of the node(s)
thorax-second body segment; behind head

Identification Ant species can be identified by a number of characters, including number of nodes in the narrow waist between the gaster and thorax and number of antenna segments. Below are a few characteristics used to identify specimens:
Number of nodes (1 or 2) in the waist:
One node shown here	Two nodes shown here
Number of antenna segments (just count!) [usually 10-12]
Note: first segment (1) is the long scape
Antenna ending in a distinct club or not
Distinctly clubbed antennae	Antennae without club
Presence or absence of spines:
Spines indicated at arrow
Shape of opening at end of gaster (circle or slit)
Opening a circle	Opening a slit
Certain characteristics are unique to certain genera or kinds of ants, at least locally:
Long spindly legs (Aphaenogaster)	Heart-shaped gaster (last body segment) [Crematogaster]

Heart-shaped head of Dacetine	Spongiform growths on Dacetine

Jagged teeth on mandibles (Amblyoponinae)