Myrmicinae, Formicidae, Hymenoptera, Insecta, Arthropoda, Animalia
|
|
|
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.
Tetramorium simillimum is very similar to Wasmannia auropunctata. They are of similar size, general shape, and color. Both have a subquadrate petiole in side view. Wasmannia auropunctata has longer setae on the face and dorsum, and the propodeal spines are longer.
Natural History
Tetramorium simillimum is an uncommon tramp species in Costa Rica. I have only collected it once in Costa Rica, on a picnic table at the headquarters of Santa Rosa National Park.
Page author:
John T. Longino, The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA 98505 USA. longinoj@evergreen.edu
Go back to top