Monomorium cyaneum

This species normally nests under stones (or logs), but may have a simple nest in the soil, surrounded by a small mound. Brood was found in nests in June to August, sexuals were in nests in July. A dealate female was collected in August. One colony was collected together with Formica fusca, a second with Lasius coloradensis. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: Chile, Mexico.



Habitat
This species occurs in essentially all habitats from arid zones to grasslands, sagebrush, pinyon-pine and to wet mid altitude ponderosa pine forests, to urban habitats, it is most common in semiarid habitats. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Nomenclature

 *  cyaneum. Monomorium minimum subsp. cyaneum Wheeler, W.M. 1914b: 43 (w.q.) MEXICO. DuBois, 1986: 84 (m.). Raised to species: DuBois, 1981: 35. Senior synonym of emersoni: DuBois, 1986: 82.
 * emersoni. Monomorium minimum subsp. emersoni Gregg, 1945b: 66 (w.q.) U.S.A. Junior synonym of minimum: Creighton, 1950a: 219; Smith, D.R. 1979: 1382; of cyaneum: DuBois, 1986: 82.

Type Material




Description
Wheeler (1914):

Worker. Differing from the worker of the typical form in coloration, the body being deep, metallic blue; the antennae and legs black, with the bases of the funiculi, mandibles, mouthparts, tarsi and articulations of the legs piceous.

Female. Apterous, but with the thorax shaped very much as in the typical minimum though distinctly smaller and more slender. Head more shining above. Body and legs black, the latter with yellow articulations and tarsi.