Platythyrea punctata

Legionary ant.

One of the seldom-seen (they are nocturnal) legionary ants, probably in the genus Neivamyrmex. They are essentially blind, their raiding, columns following the scent trails laid down by the leading workers. The major prey of these ants is the larvae and pupae of other ants!

… Eric R. Eaton, 24 April, 2006 - 2:05pm

Platythyrea sp. (Ponerinae) worker

Cylindrical habitus and stout antennae are strongly reminding of legionary ants, that's true, but this one ant belongs to a different group.
First, there is no postpetiolus, while both Labidus and Neivamyrmex workers have one. Only the typical "ponerine" constriction between 2nd and 3rd abdominal segment is present.
Second, the head has clearly functional compound eyes (the right one is clearly visible and relatively large).
According to Myrmecos.net, Platythyrea is still placed in the Ponerinae, contrary to e.g. Amblyopone.
At any rate, this picture should absolutely be "rescued" from frass.

… Richard Vernier, 26 April, 2006 - 9:47am

Very

interesting. It may have been looking for spider eggs.

… Jeff Hollenbeck, 24 April, 2006 - 2:48pm

Not many of these in the guide

Would be a shame to lose this image to frass, but you get to decide since it's your image.

… john and jane balaban, 25 April, 2006 - 6:35pm

did not think it was a good image, and the ant is dead.

Just read Richard's comment. Put back.

… Jeff Hollenbeck, 26 April, 2006 - 11:16am

Thank you!

Platythyrea is not well representedin BG photos, so good to keep this.

… James C. Trager, 7 October, 2018 - 4:48pm