Ponera swezeyi (Wheeler, W.M. 1933)

Diagnosis of worker among Antkey species. Antenna 12-segmented. Antennal scapes exceed posterior head margin. Anterior margin of clypeus not denticulate; flat to convex, but never forming a distinct triangle that projects anteriorly beyond the base of the mandibles. Eyes small (equal to or less than 5 facets); situated distinctly below midline of head. Frontal lobes relatively narrow. Mandibles triangular; with more than 7 teeth and denticles. Metanotum does not form a prominent convexity bordered by distinct suture lines. Hind coxae lacking dorsal spine. Hind tibia with pectinate spur, but lacking simple spur. Tarsal claws lacking subapical tooth. Waist 1-segmented. Petiole narrowly attached to gaster. Conspicuous posterior face, petiole upright and not appearing flattened. Gaster armed with sting. Abdominal segment 4 lacking deep longitudinal furrows. Distinct constriction between abdominal segments 3+4. Color yellowish to reddish brown.

Among introduced and commonly intercepted species, Ponera swezeyi is most likely confused with Hypoponera species but can be distinguished by the subpetiolar process which has a fenestra anteriorly and an acute ventral tooth posteriorly. In particular, P. swezeyi bears a close superficial resemblance to H. zwaluwenburgi, but the latter is completely blind (lacking even a single pigmented ommatidia) and has an extremely reduced subpetiolar process.