A genus-level classification of the ant subfamily Ponerinae (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

We revise the genus-level classification of the ant subfamily Ponerinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) based on a comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of over 2,300 ultra-conserved element (UCE) loci across 1,170 taxa. While most previously defined genus groups are recovered as monophyletic, several genera are shown to be polyphyletic or paraphyletic. To resolve these inconsistencies, we describe four new genera (Boltonopone (gen. nov.), Makebapone (gen. nov.), Subiridopone (gen. nov.), Sritoponera (gen. nov.)), revalidate Xiphopelta stat. rev., synonymize Iroponera under Cryptopone, and transfer numerous species to ensure all genera reflect monophyletic lineages. In particular, Mesoponera is split into four genera, and Euponera is restricted by expanding Fisheropone to absorb a paraphyletic assemblage. Morphological diagnoses are revised for each affected genus, and updated species lists and new combinations are provided. To support identification and comparative studies, we present revised keys to all extant Ponerinae genera, organized by biogeographic region (African and Malagasy, Eurasian and Australian, and New World). This classification offers a stable framework grounded in phylogenetic evidence for future research on ponerine ants.