Female antenna 13–segmented, subclavate; male 14–segmented. Face with reticulate to rugose sculpture and scattered pubescence. Pronotum coarsely rugose with median tooth or spine viewed laterally. Mesonotum with coarse variable sculpture, propodeum without pronounced side margins. Segment 1 of metasoma (petiole) three times as long as broad, segments 2–4 short viewed laterally and dorsally, segment 5 the largest. Metafemora with a rounded lobe between medial area and apex, tooth on metafemur angled, hind tibia with a distinct lobe apically, opposite the tibial spines. Scutellum with three foveae.

Identification. Dichotomous and online interactive keys to species are available in Buffington and van Noort (2012) and van Noort (2004–2015).

Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Republic of Congo (Buffington and van Noort 2012).

Unknown.

Tessmannella copelandi Buffington & van Noort, 2012 (Kenya)

Tessmannella expansa Quinlan, 1979 (Gabon)

Tessmannella kiplingi Buffington & van Noort, 2012 (Republic of Congo)

Tessmannella nigra Hedicke, 1912 (Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea)

Tessmannella roberti Buffington & van Noort, 2012 (Central African Rebublic)

Tessmannella spinosa Hedicke, 1912 (Equatorial Guinea)