Females generally like conspecific workers, but usually somewhat to much larger and with the mesosoma relatively well-developed. They have relatively well-developed eyes and ocelli, and complexly subdivided mesosomas. Males always alate, with well-developed eyes and ocelli. Antennal scapes usually short, except in species of Polyergus. Mesosoma like that of females.
Petiole usually nodiform, without definite spines or teeth.
Cerci usually present. The rest of body similar to workers. The Formicinae stands as one of the most successful ant subfamilies in terms of relative species-richness and extent of geographical distribution. In particular, its species in temperate regions are generally large in size and active on the ground when foraging, so that they are often readily noticeable. The group comprises over 4000 species assigned to 49 genera in 13 tribes.