Myrmicinae

Myrmicinae is a subfamily of ants. There are about 140 genera worldwide within the group, with the subfamily being cosmopolitan. The pupae lack cocoons. Some species retain a functional sting. The petioles of Myrmicinae consist of two nodes. The nests are permanent and in soil, rotting wood, under stones or in trees. There are 10 genera in Britain and Ireland and about 26 species, 12 of which are in the single genus Myrmica.