Key to Central European Tapinoma

This worker key is based on: Seifert, B. 2012a. Clarifying naming and identification of the outdoor species of the ant genus Tapinoma Förster, 1850 in Europe north of the Mediterranean region with description of a new species. Myrmecological News. 16:139-147.

Siefert notes: With exception of incipient nests of Tapinoma nigerrimum, the key allows a safe determination of all three species when nest samples and a good optical equipment are available.

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Tapinoma

1

 * Largest workers within a mature nest with CW > 900 μm. Inner margins of antennal sockets more distant, dAN / CS 0.309 ± 0.009; 2nd funiculus segment slender, IF2 frequently > 1.7; mesosoma relatively shorter, ML / CS 1.289 ± 0.027. Passively introduced neozoon in urban areas of Germany. Frequently supercolonial . . . . . Tapinoma nigerrimum


 * Largest workers within a mature nest with CW < 850 μm. Inner margins of antennal sockets more approached, dAN / CS 0.290 ± 0.009; 2nd funiculus segment thicker, IF2 frequently < 1.7; mesosoma relatively longer, ML / CS 1.363 ± 0.032. Usually not in urban areas, polygynous but not supercolonial. . . . . . 2

2
return to couplet #1
 * Maximum depth T of median clypeal excavation smaller than its width B; nest means of T < 6.8% CW (use three workers per nest). Maximum eye length larger: EL / CW 0.260 ± 0.008 [0.246, 0.278]. Posterior margin of head in adjustment to measure CL straight or with suggested median excavation. Pubescence on head thinner and more appressed . . . . . Tapinoma subboreale


 * T at least as large as B; nest means of T > 7.2% CW (use three workers per nest). Maximum eye length smaller: EL / CW 0.243 ± 0.005 [0.233, 0.254]. Posterior margin of head in adjustment to measure CL with a shallow but wide excavation. Pubescence on head denser and less strongly appressed . . . . . Tapinoma erraticum