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''Tapinoma sessile'' is a species of ant that goes by the common names odorous house ant, stink ant, and coconut ant. Their colonies are polydomous (consist of multiple nests) and polygynous (contain multiple reproducing queens). Like many social insects, ''T. sessile'' employs complex foraging strategies, allocates food depending on environmental conditions, and engages in competition with other insect species. These ants can be found in a huge diversity of habitats, including within houses. They forage mainly for honeydew, which is produced by aphids and scale insects that are guarded and tended by the ants, as well as floral nectar and other sugary foods. As with most other ants, ''T. sessile'' is eusocial. This is characterized by reproductive division of labor, cooperative care of the young, and overlapping generations. ==Description== ''T. sessile'' ranges in color from brown to black, and varies in length from 1/16 to 1/8 inches (1.5–3.2 mm). Their antennae have 12 segments. Little is known about the lifespan of the ant, though it has been shown that queens live at least 8 months (and probably much longer), workers at least a few months (and show every indication of living as long as queens), while males appear to live only approximately a week. This odorous house ant is tough; injured workers have been observed to continue living and working with little hindrance. Some queens with crushed abdomens still lay eggs, and there are documented instances of ''T. sessile'' queens surviving without food or water for over two months. They also appear highly tolerant to heat and cold. These ants are difficult to remove from the home. When killed, these ants leave a smell which leads to their nickname "stink ant."〔(Marion R. Smith, "Biology of Tapinoma Sessile Say, an Important House-Infesting Ant". A. & M. College, Mississippi, 1928. ) Retrieved 2011-03-29.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Tapinoma sessile」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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