Austroponera facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Austroponera Temporal range: Early Miocene–present, 23.03–0Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Austroponera rufonigra
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hymenoptera
Family:	Formicidae
Subfamily:	Ponerinae
Tribe:	Ponerini
Genus:	Austroponera Schmidt & Shattuck, 2014
Type species
Euponera rufonigra Clark, 1934
Diversity
3 extant species

Austroponera is a special group, or genus, of ants. These ants belong to a family called Ponerinae, which are known for being hunters. You can find Austroponera ants mainly in Australia and New Zealand. That's why their name starts with "Austro-", which means "southern".

Species of Austroponera

Scientists have identified several types of Austroponera ants. Some of these species are still alive today, while others are only known from fossils. Studying both living and fossil species helps us understand how these ants have changed over millions of years.

Ants Living Today

There are three main types of Austroponera ants that you can find living in Australia and New Zealand right now:

• Austroponera castanea (discovered in 1865)
• Austroponera castaneicolor (discovered in 1893)
• Austroponera rufonigra (discovered in 1934)

Ancient Ant Discoveries

One fascinating Austroponera species is only known from a fossil. This ancient ant helps us learn about Earth's past.

• Austroponera schneideri (discovered in 2016)

This is a picture of the fossil Austroponera schneideri. It was found in a place called Foulden Maar, which is known for its amazing fossils.