Tetramorium Tsushimae

Tetramorium tsushimae, commonly known as the Tsushima ant, is a fascinating species of ant that hails from the Tsushima Island in Japan. Belonging to the genus Tetramorium, these ants exhibit intriguing social behavior and play a vital role in their ecosystem. Tsushima ants are relatively small in size, measuring around 2-3 millimeters in length, and boast a dark brown to black coloration. Their nests can be found in various habitats, ranging from forests to urban areas, where they display impressive foraging capabilities and communicate through chemical signals to coordinate their activities.

The intriguing journey of Tetramorium tsushimae to the United States can be traced back to the 1904 World’s Fair held in Saint Louis, Missouri. During this international event, the Tsushima ants unintentionally hitchhiked their way to the US, most likely on plants or through the soil in potted flora used for displays. As the fair concluded, these unsuspecting ants began establishing colonies in the foreign soil of America, marking the accidental introduction of the species to a new continent. Since then, Tetramorium tsushimae has successfully adapted to its new environment and can now be found in several states, making it an accidental but interesting addition to the diverse ecosystem of the United States.

Tetramorium Tsushimae is only available in the following states:
Missouri