Tetramorium kheperra

This is a widespread tramp species also recorded from Sumba and Prinsen [Panaitan] islands in Indonesia, Hong Kong and Assam (Bolton, 1976). Most of the specimens examined were collected in disturbed habitats. Workers were found in Kew Gardens (London) in 1974 among the roots of a plant imported from Assam (Bolton, 1967). This indicates that the species may be an underground nester. (Yamane and Jaitrong 2011)

Identification
Yamane and Jaitrong (2011) - Head with regular puncto-reticulation over dorsal surface. Antennal scrobe strongly developed. Clypeus with a median and a few lateral obliquely running carinae; anterior margin entire. Propodeal declivity extensively smooth and shiny, with two transverse carinae above. Propodeal spine acute, distinctly longer than propodeal lobes. Petiolar node in dorsal view slightly broader than long; with petiole in profile tergal portion of the node higher than long. Gastral tergite I entirely smooth and shining. Dorsum of body densely covered with branched hairs; hairs on gastral tergite 1 universally trifid, forming a dense pelt over surface.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines. Oriental Region: Vietnam. Palaearctic Region: China.

Nomenclature

 *  kheperra. Triglyphothrix kheperra Bolton, 1976: 349, fig. 71 (w.) INDONESIA (Java). Imai, Kubota, et al. 1985: 46 (k.). Combination in Tetramorium: Bolton, 1985: 247. See also: Yamane & Jaitrong, 2011: 63.