Tetraponera

These ants are highly arboreal, nesting in hollow twigs or branches of trees or shrubs. They are almost always found on vegetation although they will occasionally forage on the ground around the bases of trees or shrubs. Workers have acute vision and will dart to the far side of twigs or branches when approached.



Worker of T. punctulata from Western Australia.

Identification
These ants are easily recognisable by their elongate, slender bodies, large, oval eyes and black colouration. They are most similar to species in the subfamily Myrmicinae but the flexible joint between the pronotum and mesonotum and the toothed claws on the tarsi will separate them.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia