Tetramorium simillimum (Smith, 1851)

Tetramorium simillimum (Smith, 1851) View in CoL

Similar Groove–Headed Ant ( DEYRUP et al., 2000)

(ANTWEB: CASENT0173291). ( Map 39 View Map 39 )

A widespread species in the tropics ( KEMPF, 1972; BOLTON, 1979; BRANDÃO, 1991; BOLTON e t al., 2006). This introduced ant was first collected around 1900 from Floreana Island ( WHEELER, 1919). Now it is recorded from 13 other islands. Nests can be found under rocks, soil and rotten wood. Workers were observed foraging on sandy beaches in plants of C. pyriformis , in leaf litter in dry and humid areas in secondary growth forest, and natural areas such as the Scalesia forest in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Tetramorium simillimum is a common species in cultivated areas of Santa Cruz, Floreana and San Cristóbal being reported in crops of C. annuum and M. esculenta . In urban areas it was observed foraging between grass, under trees of M. octogona , in branches of Citrus x aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle, M. acuminata , C. nucifera , A. cherimola , S. purpurea , C. lutea and H. rosa – sinensis . It is frequently collected in landfill and waste treatment areas, ports and airports. It has a minor ecological impact in places where it has been introduced ( WETTERER & HITA–GARCIA, 2015). It is rated to have low invasive potential in Galápagos ( CAUSTON et al., 2006).