Formicine ants have a single node-like or scale-like
petiole (postpetiole entirely lacking) and the apex of the abdomen has a circular or U-shaped opening (the
acidopore), usually fringed with hairs. A functional sting is absent, and defense is provided by the ejection of formic acid through the acidopore. If the acidopore is concealed by the pygidium and difficult to discern, then the antennal sockets are located well behind the posterior margin of the
clypeus (cf.
Dolichoderinae). In most formicines, the eyes are well developed (ocelli may also be present), the antennal insertions are not concealed by the frontal carinae, and the promesonotal suture is present and flexible. ==Tribes and genera==