Tetramorium rufescens

Identification
Tetramorium rufescens is the only species in the solidum-group with the combination of long thin spines and orange-red colour. The other orange-red species in group either have very short and broad spines (glabratum) or ones that are medium length and broad (T. signatum Kalahari form).

Distribution
Tetramorium rufescens has been recorded from South Africa (Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal); and Namibia.

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

Biology
This species has been found in thorn bush savanna, highland savanna, dwarf shrub savanna, dry forest savanna and semi-desert areas. Tetramorium rufescens has been found nesting in open savanna in red clay soils, sometimes in termite mounds or in soil next to the rocks, with the nest entrance in the open or at the base of the rock. Nests have also been collected in deep soils on flood plains. Feeds on seeds, with seed stores recorded in the nest at about 10cm below the ground surface. It has been collected using pitfall trapping, tuna baits, cookie baits, sugar baits, and hand collecting.

Nomenclature

 *  rufescens. Tetramorium solidum st. rufescens Stitz, 1923: 163 (w.) NAMIBIA. Raised to species: Bolton, 1980: 249.