Anoplolepis tenella

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Cameroon, Congo.

Biology
The root feeding Hemipteran Stictococcus Vayssierei is a cassava plant pest that can cause significant damage to this important food crop in some parts of Africa. Anoplolepis tenella tend this scale insect to access the honeydew they produce (Fotso et al. 2008). Ant colonies will establish nests under cassava plants infested with Stictococcus Vayssierei. The ants also transport the scale insects to new plants (Fotoso et al. 2015b). Anoplolepis tenella has also been found tending this same Hemipteran on other plants as well (Fotoso et al. 2015a).

Nomenclature

 *  tenella. Plagiolepis tenella Santschi, 1911c: 364 (w.) CONGO. [Also described as new by Santschi, 1911g: 210.] Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 214 (q.m.). Combination in Plagiolepis (Anoplolepis): Santschi, 1914b: 123; in Anoplolepis: Emery, 1925b: 18.