Tetramorium bicarinatum, is a species of ant of the family Formicidae in the order Hymenoptera that originated in South East Asia.
Morphology It is a reddish headed medium-sized ant, with mesosoma and waist contrasting with a dark gaster.
Habitat The species can adversely affect native biodiversity. It is also said to be a common tramp species which is usually found inside of houses, in greenhouses and shade houses, or in landscaped areas near houses.
Venom The Tetramorium bicarinatum's venom arrangement shows potential for a new pharmacologically active substance, bicarinalin. This antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-infective compound could potentially be chemically synthesized to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens by means of drug therapy.
References
Further reading Wetterer, James K. "Worldwide spread of the penny ant, Tetramorium bicarinatum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)." Sociobiology 54.3 (2009): 811–830. Astruc, Cyril, Christian Malosse, and Christine Errard. "Lack of intraspecific aggression in the ant Tetramorium bicarinatum: a chemical hypothesis." Journal of Chemical Ecology 27.6 (2001): 1229–1248. de Biseau, J. C., et al. "Respective contributions of leader and trail during recruitment to food inTetramorium bicarinatum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)." Insectes sociaux 41.3 (1994): 241–254.
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