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Ants of Zihuatanejo

FAMILY FORMICIDAE

Hairy Panther Ants

Neoponera villosa

Neoponera is a genus of ants in the subfamily Ponerinae, known for their large size, powerful stings, and aggressive predatory behaviour. Neoponera ants are relatively large, with workers ranging from 8 to 20 mm. They have strong mandibles used for catching prey and defence. These ants are fierce predators, feeding primarily on other insects and small arthropods. They hunt individually rather than in groups, which is typical for ponerine ants.

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