Ponerinae are most easily identified from other subfamilies by possessing a single-segmented petiole and the gaster usually being constricted between the first and second segments.<ref name=AntWiki/> Odontomachus lack this constriction, but these can be identified from their elongate, straight mandibles attached close together along the front margin of the head and with teeth only at the mandible tips.<ref name="AntWiki" /> They are rare examples of stinging ants.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Females have 12-segmented antennae, whereas males have 13-segmented antennae.<ref name=AntWiki>Template:Cite web</ref>
Behavior
These ants typically nest in soil, forest litter, or rotting logs, and are predacious.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> They primarily prey on isopods. They mostly live in small colonies of up to 200 workers. They can be found mostly in tropical environments, but have been found in southeastern Canada and New York.Template:Citation needed
