Myrmicinae, Formicidae, Hymenoptera, Insecta, Arthropoda, Animalia
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Range
Cosmopolitan tramp species, widespread in tropics.
Identification
Only two species of Tetramorium occur in Costa Rica, both introduced tramp species. Tetramorium bicarinatum is more than two millimeters long, strongly bicolored with red head and mesosoma and black gaster, and with a shiny surface under coarse rugae. Tetramorium simillimum is less than two millimeters long, weakly or not at all bicolored, and with a mat surface under finer rugae and puncta.
Natural History
Tetramorium bicarinatum is a common tramp species usually found inside of houses, in greenhouses and shade houses, or in landscaped areas near houses. In Costa Rica it can be found almost anywhere, particularly in the lowlands. During my studies in Corcovado National Park in the early 1980's I was always surprised how even in remote guard stations T. bicarinatum was present in the houses but not in the surrounding second growth forest.
Workers are very generalized omnivores and scavengers.
Page author:
John T. Longino, The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA 98505 USA. longinoj@evergreen.edu
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