Tetramorium tsushimae: Insights into the Japanese Pavement Ant
The Tetramorium tsushimae, commonly known as the Japanese pavement ant, is a fascinating member of the insect world. As a species within the diverse family Formicidae, this ant plays a specific role in its ecosystem. While many ants are known for their complex social structures, recent scientific advancements have allowed researchers to look deeper than just their behavior, peering into the very genetic blueprint that defines them.
To understand this species, one must look at its biological foundation. Belonging to the order Hymenoptera—a group that also includes bees and wasps—the Japanese pavement ant is classified under the subfamily Myrmicinae. This classification helps scientists group it with other ants that share specific physical and behavioral traits.
Key Facts
- Common Name: Japanese pavement ant
- Scientific Name: Tetramorium tsushimae
- Family: Formicidae
- Genome Size: Approximately 259.2 Mb
- Chromosome Count: 13 chromosomes
- Protein-coding Genes: 34,352 predicted genes
Scientific Classification
The taxonomic hierarchy of Tetramorium tsushimae places it within a well-defined biological lineage. Understanding its classification is essential for comparative studies in entomology (the study of insects).
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Clade | Pancrustacea |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae |
| Subfamily | Myrmicinae |
| Genus | Tetramorium |
| Species | T. tsushimae |
Genomic Breakthroughs
In 2026, a significant milestone was reached in the study of this species with the publication of a chromosome-level genome assembly. A genome assembly is a complete map of an organism's DNA, and having one at the chromosome level provides an incredibly high-resolution view of its genetic makeup.
This reference genome is approximately 259.2 Mb (megabases) in size and is organized into 13 chromosomes. The assembly is highly accurate, boasting a BUSCO completeness of 98.4%. BUSCO is a tool used to assess the quality of genome assemblies by checking for the presence of highly conserved, essential genes. This high score indicates that the assembly is nearly complete and very reliable for scientific research.
Furthermore, the genome contains 34,352 predicted protein-coding genes. These genes are the instructions used by the ant's cells to build proteins, which in turn drive all biological functions, from growth to social communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Japanese pavement ant?
The scientific name for the Japanese pavement ant is Tetramorium tsushimae.
How many chromosomes does Tetramorium tsushimae have?
Based on the 2026 genome assembly, this species has 13 chromosomes.
What does a BUSCO score of 98.4% mean?
A BUSCO score of 98.4% indicates a very high level of completeness in the genome assembly, meaning almost all expected essential genes were successfully identified.
To which family of insects does this ant belong?
The Japanese pavement ant belongs to the family Formicidae.
How many protein-coding genes are in its genome?
The genome assembly contains 34,352 predicted protein-coding genes.