Taxonomy
In 1866, Mayr first described ''Linepithema fuscum'' and 28 species-level names have been assigned to the genus ''Linepithema'' ever since. However, species limit within ''Linepithema'' is poorly understood and there haven't been efforts to synthesize the isolated description of the species into one coherent taxonomy. The description of ''Linepithema fuscum'' was initially based on a male species description by Mayr. Shattuck later cited the male morphology difference in his phylogenetic research to propose two different species groups of ''L.. fuscum'' and ''L. humile'' in the genus ''Linepithema.''Distribution
''Linepithema fuscum'' is native to Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. But they have been also found in the Colombian inter-Andean valley.Description
Little is known about the biology of ''L. fuscum''. The species has been collected from 200 to nearly 3000 meters in elevation. One sample was collected from a "shrubby pasture" and another sample was collected inside a laboratory building in Madre de Dios in Peru. From the 2 samples, the researchers were able to determine the haploid chromosome number to be N=9 but could not find other differences.Castes
Little is known about the caste system of ''L. fuscum.'' Similar to most ant species, the caste system consists of workers, male, and a queen.Males
Compared to other species in the ''Linepithema'' genus, males of ''L. fuscum'' have a smaller, more roundedWorkers
Smaller in size. Some of the key characteristics useful for diagnosis of ''L. fuscum'' workers include sparse to absent metapleural pubescence, variable propodeal shape, 0-9 standing setae, and well-developed pre-sutural clypeal groove. The color of the body is medium brown to dark brown but mandibles, antennae, trochanters, and tarsi are somewhat lighter.Queen
Moderately sized species (maximum mesosomal length: 1.87-1.91 mm). It is unknown if the queen has wings or not. Some of the key characteristics useful for diagnosis of the queen include mesoscutum with more than 10 standing setae, medium brown body color with lighter colored antennal scapes, legs, and mandibles.References
Dolichoderinae Hymenoptera of South America Insects described in 1866 {{Dolichoderinae-stub