Tetramorium


Tetramorium is a genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae that includes more than 520 species.
Tetramorium was first described in the same publication as Monomorium. These ants are also known as pavement ants.

Description

Workers of most species have a ridged clypeus, an appendaged stinger, mandibles with 3 or 4 teeth, and antennae with 11 or 12 segments or with 3-segmented clubs on the tips. The genus is divided into several species groups defined by various characters.

Distribution

Most species are distributed throughout the Afrotropical and Oriental regions. Ten species have been recorded from Japan. The pavement ant, T. caespitum, is native to Europe and was probably introduced to North America starting in the 18th century.

Biology

Most known species nest in the soil, in decaying wood, or in leaf litter. Some live in trees or in termite nests.

Species