Tetramorium ranarum

Bolton, B., 1979, The ant tribe Tetramoriini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The genus Tetramorium Mayr in the Malagasy region and in the New World., Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomology 38, pp. 129-181 : 147

The ranarum -group

Antennae with 11 segments; sting appendage spatulate. Mandibles sculptured, usually striate, more rarely otherwise. Petiole strongly nodiform, many species in the group with postpetiole unsculptured but the petiole is usually sculptured to some extent. Small species with HW usually <0.80. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of hind tibiae with pubescence which is usually decumbent or appressed, only very rarely otherwise.

This small group of seven species is restricted to the Malagasy region. Their closest relatives appear to be the members of the African angulinode-group, but in them the mandibles are always smooth and unsculptured.