Tapinoma

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Dolichoderinae
Tribe: Tapinomini
Genus: Tapinoma

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tapinoma: /tæpɪˈnoʊmə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Tapinoma fulvum sublucidum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tapinoma opacum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tapinoma fulvum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tapinoma canalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Tapinoma is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, characterized by their unnoticeable scale between the alitrunk and gaster. They are known as generalized foragers and inhabit diverse locations.

Physical Characteristics

Very unnoticeable scale between alitrunk and gaster is a diagnostic feature of this genus.

Habitat

Nesting in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, open fields, woodlands, and inside buildings.

Distribution

Worldwide in tropical and temperate regions, comprising 74 described species.

Diet

Generalized foragers; exact diet varies by species.

Ecosystem Role

As foragers, they play a role in the ecosystem related to soil aeration and seed dispersal.