Tetramorium aculeatum species group

Based on Bolton 1980.

Diagnosis
Mandibles smooth or sculptured, armed with 3 teeth apically, followed by a row of 5~7 denticles. Palp formula usually reduced from the basic tetramoriine count of 4, 3 (either 4, 2 or 3, 2; apparently 4, 3 in Tetramorium rimytyum). Anterior clypeal margin usually flattened or weakly impressed medially, less commonly entire or strongly notched. Frontal carinae weakly developed and short, ending at or in front of the level of the posterior margins of the eyes. Antennal scrobes absent. Scapes long, SI > 100. With head in full-face view the eyes prominent and the sides behind the eyes rounding broadly and evenly into the occipital margin; the latter usually convex. Metanotal groove usually impressed in profile but only feebly so in some populations. Propodeum usually armed with a pair of spines, but these may be reduced in some cases. Petiole in profile shaped as in figures; in dorsal view the node as broad as or broader than long. All dorsal surfaces of head and body clothed with numerous long fine acute hairs, the scapes and middle and hind tibiae with similar standing hairs or with standing dense pubescence.

Additional Resources

 * Tetramorium
 * Tetramorium species groups
 * Key to Tetramorium aculeatum species group