While these ants were formerly placed in the genus "Iridomyrmex", there are several features that makes these ants distinct; the compound eyes are differently positioned on the head, and the arrangement of the clypeal margin and mesosoma can also distinguish between the two genera. "Ochetellus" looks similar to "Dolichoderus" species, but they are relatively smaller and the petiole is narrow and dorsolaterally expanded. The head is also thinner than most Dolichoderinae ants. On the head, the occipital border either curves in or curves out, and no ocelli are present. The antennae consist of twelve segments. The mandibles each have six to eight teeth along with a large apical tooth. "Ochetellus" ants are native to Australia and have been introduced into New Zealand. In Asia, they are native to India, Japan, the Philippines and southern Burma. Species are found on the islands of Fiji, Mauritius and New Caledonia. "Ochetellus glaber" was first sighted in Hawaii in 1977 and is considered an invasive species. Since its introduction, the ant has spread throughout the state, and is now found in Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Kauai, Maui and Oahu. The ant has also been introduced to mainland United States, being found in north-central Florida, where it is localised in Orange County. Ants of this genus are eurychoric; they have a widespread geographic distribution in many different climates, but they are usually found in dry and mesic habitats. They are referred to as a tropical genus, but the type specimen was collected from temperate Sydney. They are found in sclerophyll woodland and forests, eucalypt woodland, "Casuarina" forests, mallee, hillsides, beaches and urban areas. These ants are arboreal ants and nests are located in bark, logs, rotten wood, sand, soil, under rocks and stones, tree stumps and twigs or branches. In urban areas, colonies are found under cracked paths, inside house walls or in patio areas. Some species are considered pests, and they forage into pastures and houses where they show a preference for fluids and sweets. "Ochetellus flavipes" nesting habits are unique among Australian ants, and they construct small runways across the ground. These nests are structurally similar to nests built by some "Polyrhachis" ants, which construct platforms woven from plants that house the Hemiptera insects they attend to.