A quick species question...

[Idahoantguy]

I have heard a lot of people talking about Tetramorium sp. E. this may sound stupid but, does sp. E refer to a certain species, or a general term for tetramorium, or even when someone doesn't know the species? Thanks for your help!

[AntOblivion]

Well Tetramorium is an invasive species. The Europeon species is called Tetramorium Caespitum. Ant biologists haven't found out the difference between the two. That's why the North American species is called Sp. E

[Idahoantguy]

That's why the North American species is called Sp. E

So the North American species is named Sp. E?

[AntOblivion]

That's why the North American species is called Sp. E

So the North American species is named Sp. E?

Yes, and the European ones are Caespitum

[Batspiderfish]

Tetramorium caespitum is a species complex which was only considered a single species before genetic testing. Tetramorium sp. E, in North America, consists of at least four different species which are only distinguishable genetically. Since most people have no chance at telling them apart, many stick with Tetramorium caespitum.

[Idahoantguy]

Tetramorium caespitum is a species complex which was only considered a single species before genetic testing. Tetramorium sp. E, in North America, consists of at least four different species which are only distinguishable genetically. Since most people have no chance at telling them apart, many stick with Tetramorium caespitum.

Ok, thanks for clearing that up!