May 9, 2024
#2184 - Tapinoma sp.
From the Greek ταπείνωμα for 'low position', but I don't know why that applies to this species - for one thing many of the 74 species are arboreal, often living in myrmecophilous plants.
Generalists, as far as diet goes.
The Ghost Ant Tapinoma melanocephalum and the Odorous House Ant Tapinoma sessile are both house pests where they occur, but the later still hasn't made it to Austrslia as far as anyone knows, and the Ghost Ant is limited to the coastlines of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Tapinoma minutum, the Dwarf Pedicel Ant, is found in Sydney but has pale shins.
Mascot, Sydney, New South Wales