Monomorium pallidipes

This species has been collected in a closed Acacia woodland.

Identification
Bolton (1987) - A member of the M. leopoldinum complex in the M. monomorium species group. This small dark Ethiopian species is related to Monomorium madecassum, but is distinctly different in the construction of the clypeus, shape of the alitrunk and form of the petiole and its ventral process. In monomorium the prominent median portion of the anterior clypeus is narrow and distinctly notched or indented, the propodeum is shorter and more strongly convex, and the subpetiolar process is a small lobe.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya.

Nomenclature

 *  pallidipes. Monomorium minutum var. pallidipes Forel, 1910c: 252 (w.) ETHIOPIA. Forel, 1913d: 430 (q.). Raised to species: Bolton, 1987: 405.

Worker
Bolton (1987) - TL 1.5, HL 0.41-0.42, HW 0.33-0.34, CI 79-81, SL 0.28-0.29, SI 83-88, PW 0.20-0.21, AL 0.39-0.40 (3 measured).

Clypeal carinae moderately well developed, clearly visible, reaching the anterior margin and strongly divergent anteriorly; the anterior margin and the carinae forming almost an equilateral triangle. Prominent median portion of clypeus broad and sharply defined, with a transverse to slightly concave anterior margin between the apices of the clypeal carinae and with an obtuse but conspicuous angle between the anterior and lateral margins. The clypeal carinae meet the anterior margin mesad of the angles separating anterior and lateral margins. Maximum diameter of eye 0.18-0.20 x HW, with 5 ommatidia in the longest row. With the head in full-face view the eyes distinctly in front of the midlength of the sides and the scapes, when laid straight back from their insertions, failing to reach the occipital margin. Sides of head straight to shallowly convex in full-face view, the occipital margin broad and shallowly concave. Head in profile dorsoventrally flattened, the dorsal and ventral surfaces only feebly convex. Promesonotum in profile low and shallowly convex, scarcely higher than the propodeum. Metanotal groove broadly but shallowly impressed, traversed by short but sharply defined cross-ribs. Propodeum highest immediately behind the meta notal groove where it is only slightly lower than the highest point of the promesonotum. Behind this the dorsum very shallowly convex and sloping posteriorly, then rounding broadly and evenly into the short declivity. Propodeal spiracle small and relatively high on the side. Petiole with a short stout anterior peduncle and a low broadly subconical node. Subpetiolar process an elongate narrow strip which runs back to a point just posterior to the level of the spiracle. Postpetiole smaller and lower than the petiole, more broadly rounded above. All dorsal surfaces with standing hairs, the promesonotum with 5 pairs. Sculpture absent except from the metanotal cross-ribs and minute scattered hair-pits. Colour uniform medium to dark brown.

Type Material
Bolton (1987) - Syntype workers, Ethiopia: Nefassit (K. Escherich) [examined].