Tetramorium peringueyi

Tetramorium peringueyi has been found nesting in sandy soils and in deep dolerite reddish soils. The nests normally have more than once entrance, occurring either in open areas at the basal parts of plants.

Identification
Tetramorium peringueyi is morphologically similar to T. dichroum in that they have numerous simple, erect hairs covering the body. This species is separated from T. dichroum by the presence of erect hairs on leading edges of the antennal scapes, whereas the other species only have sub-erect pubescence. Tetramorium peringueyi is the only species in solidum-group with erect hairs on the leading edges of the antennal scapes but the two can be distinguished based on colour. Tetramorium peringueyi is orange to light-brown.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: South Africa.

Biology
Tetramorium peringueyi is known to occur in South Africa (Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape), Namibia and Botswana. It has been recorded from grasslands, open Karoo, highland savanna, Kimberley Thornveld, Gariep Rocky Desert, and Gariep Plain Desert. Tetramorium peringueyi has been found nesting in sandy soils and in deep dolerite reddish soils. The nests normally have more than once entrance, occurring either in open areas at the basal parts of plants. There is often a crater of soil round the nest entrance. This species feeds on seeds and stores them inside the nest - seed stores have been recorded within 8 cm of the soil surface. In one of the samples collected, the larvae and alates were found at about 22cm down. Pitfall trapping and sugar bait have been used to collect this species.

Nomenclature

 *  peringueyi. Tetramorium peringueyi Arnold, 1926: 260 (w.) SOUTH AFRICA. See also: Prins, 1973: 9; Bolton, 1980: 248.