Taxonomy
Hypoponera punctatissima
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Small species (body-length of workers: 2.5-3.2mm)
- Head, thorax and abdomen yellowish-brown to dark brown in colour
- Elongated, slender body shape
- Could be confused with solitary wasps in the genus Bethylus and microscopic examination will usually be required
Diet
This species on predatory on a wide range of small arthropods.
Habitat
This species is associated with buildings and greenhouses, provided there is a sufficient source of heat. Occasionally, it may occur outdoors in habitats such as rubbish tips, urban walls, mines and sawdust heaps.
Flight period
Males can be seen between June-September, whilst the workers may be seen year round.
Nesting biology
Nesting usually occurs underground or among brickwork. Nests are typically small, with several queens and up to 300 workers.
Similar species
- Several small solitary wasps
- Other ant species
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
This is a cosmopolitan species which in Ireland survives in buildings ad occasionally outdoors, usually associated with human habitation. It has recorded from several localities in Ireland, including outdoors in Dublin docks.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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