Tetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander, 1846)

Tetramorium bicarinatum is a medium-sized ant with a reddish head, mesosoma and waist contrasting with a dark gaster. This species has a monomorphic worker caste with 12-segmented antennae, three-segmented antennal club, antennal scrobes, short antennal scapes that do not surpass the posterior margin of the head, a gradually sloped mesosoma, and strong propodeal spines. Like all myrmicines, T. bicarinatum has two waist segments and a gaster armed with a stinger. In the field it can be recognized by its bicolored appearance, medium size and strong recruiting to baits and food resources.Tetramorium bicarinatum is believed to be native to Africa, but is now widely distributed across the Pacific and other tropical regions. The species can achieve dense populations in disturbed habitats and is likely to adversely affect native biodiversity.