Key to Afrotropical Syllophopsis

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No new species has been decribed since Bolton (1987)[1], who revises the genus Monomorium for the Afrotropics.

As Monomorium has been split into Monomorium, Syllophopsis and Trichomyrmex, this key is extracted from that of Bolton


1

  • Metanotal groove in profile a simple indentation of the surface which is scarcely impressed. Propodeum in absolute profile with the dorsum and declivity meeting in a rounded or sharp angle, but without small teeth or projecting denticles at their junction..... Syllophopsis modesta
Monomorium modestum casent0026710 profile 1.jpg
  • Metanotal groove in profile a sharply impressed "U"- or "V"-shaped depression. Propodeum in absolute profile with the dorsum and declivity meeting in a sharp angle which is usually equipped with a minute but conspicuous projecting denticle …..2

2

return to couplet #1

  • Brown to blackish brown species …..3
  • Yellow species …..4

3

return to couplet #2

  • Lower half of mesopleuron sculptured. Propodeum in dorsal view with a short transverse crest behind the metanotal groove, this crest appearing as a narrow acute peak in profile at the summit of the propodeum immediately behind the metanotal groove..... Syllophopsis malamixta
Monomorium malamixtum casent0235530 p 1 high.jpg
  • Lower half of mesopleuron smooth. Propodeum in dorsal view without a transverse crest behind the metanotal groove, in profile the propodeal dorsum raised and narrowly rounded immediately behind the metanotal groove but this raised portion not surmounted by an acute peak ..... Syllophopsis cryptobia (part)
Monomorium cryptobium casent0010825 profile 1.jpg

4

return to couplet #2

Monomorium sersalatum casent0902227 p 1 high.jpg
  • Lower half of mesopleuron smooth …..5

5

return to couplet #4

Monomorium cryptobium casent0010825 profile 1.jpg
  • Larger species, HL 0.46-0.55, HW 0.38-0.43, SL 0.36-0.44 …..6

6

return to couplet #5

Monomorium elgonense casent0915413 p 1 high.jpg
  • Antennal scapes relatively long, SI 103-110 …..7

7

return to couplet #6

Monomorium thrascoleptum casent0902228 p 1 high.jpg
  • Pubescence of scapes and of sides of head behind eyes sparse and short, appressed. CI 72-75 ..... Syllophopsis jonesi
Monomorium jonesi casent0913810 p 1 high.jpg

References

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