Workers are very small, usually about 2–3 mm.
Fine-art photographic collection
Hypoponera punctatissima
A tiny subterranean predator that has travelled around the world with people.
About this species
Hypoponera punctatissima(Roger, 1859)
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Hypoponera punctatissima is a small cryptobiotic ant commonly found in soil, compost, greenhouses and heated buildings. Its true native range is uncertain because people have transported it widely.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Hypoponera
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Nearly worldwide through human transportGlobal records reflect both established populations and human-mediated transport.
Now recorded across many temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Soil, rotting vegetation, compost, glasshouses, stables and other warm sheltered sites.
Mostly hidden below ground or within decaying material.
Tiny soil arthropods and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
Small colonies occupy narrow cavities and may include unusual wingless or short-winged reproductive forms.
What makes this species remarkable?
The species is frequently discovered in artificial warm habitats far outside the tropics.
Its concealed lifestyle allows colonies to move unnoticed in soil and plant material.
Taxonomic work indicates that the punctatissima group contains closely similar species that require careful identification.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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