The 96 described species of Tetraponera all of which live in hollow structures of plants and trees, such as thorns or branches; these hosts are known as myrmecophytes.

Tetraponera species are closely related to the New World genus of ants Pseudomyrmex, but differ in their relationships with host plants.

[citation needed] Tetraponera species are generally defined by the myrmecophytes they inhabit and the mutualistic relationship they share.

[citation needed] In some arboreal ant species, not just Tetraponera, a third partner in ant-myrmecophyte mutualisms is hemipteran trophobionts.

[citation needed] Tetraponera species are found commonly in the warmer regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.

[citation needed] The eggs produced by the queen hatch into larvae which are cared for inside the colony, protected from any predators by the workers.