The genus Tetraponera consists of slender, elongated ants commonly referred to as slender ants or tree ants. These ants are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, where they inhabit trees, living inside hollow stems or branches. Tetraponera ants are known for their distinctive body shape, which is long and narrow, with well-defined segments. They are arboreal and often exhibit mutualistic relationships with the plants they inhabit, providing protection from herbivores in exchange for shelter. Tetraponera species can be aggressive and possess a sting, which they use for defense. Their colonies are usually small to medium-sized, and they are known for their specialized ecological roles in their environments.