Promesonotal suture and metanotal groove distinct. Propodeal dorsum short. Four gastral segments visible externally. Cloacal opening situated ventrally. Tapinoma species typically nest in dead tree branches, rotting fallen trees, rotting stumps, and in the soil.
Workers forage actively on trees, herbaceous plants, and below-ground.
Liquid foods, such as flower nectar, seem to be preferred. The genus is distributed widely over the world except in the arctic and subarctic zones. About 85 valid species are recognized, but there could be more undescribed. Editor of the descriptions Original text by Keiichi Onoyama and Mamoru Terayama. English translation by Keiichi Onoyama, edited by Robert W. Taylor.