Tetramorium spinosum

This species nests in the soil, with the entrance surrounded by a small mound, or under stones. It feeds on seeds and dead insects.

Identification Keys including this Taxon
Key to US Tetramorium species

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Habitat
Creosotebush scrub, arroyos, arid grassy sites.

Nomenclature

 *  spinosum. Xiphomyrmex spinosus Pergande, 1896: 894 (w.) MEXICO. Cole, 1957c: 209 (m.); Taber & Cokendolpher, 1988: 95 (k.). Combination in Tetramorium: Bolton, 1979: 163. Senior synonym of insons, wheeleri: Bolton, 1979: 163. See also: Smith, M.R. 1938a: 127.
 * wheeleri. Tetramorium (Xiphomyrmex) wheeleri Forel, 1901c: 128 (w.) MEXICO. Subspecies of spinosum: Wheeler, W.M. 1915b: 416; Smith, M.R. 1938a: 130. Junior synonym of spinosum: Bolton, 1979: 163.
 * insons. Xiphomyrmex spinosus subsp. insons Wheeler, W.M. 1915b: 416 (w.q.m.) U.S.A. Junior synonym of spinosum: Bolton, 1979: 163.