Syllophopsis jonesi

This species has been found in Bushveld and grassland.

Identification
Bolton (1987) - This quite distinctive member of the group is known only from the two syntypes which constitute the type-series. M. jonesi appears to be closest related to Syllophopsis thrascolepta from Ivory Coast, but jonesi lacks the dense erect to suberect pubescence which is so obvious in thrascoleptum.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: South Africa.

Nomenclature

 *  jonesi . Monomorium (Syllophopsis) jonesi Arnold, 1952a: 465.
 * Replacement name for Syllophopsis arnoldi Santschi, 1921c: 120. [Junior secondary homonym of Monomorium arnoldi Forel, 1913a: 137.]
 * Status as species: Bolton, 1987: 422 (redescription); Bolton, 1995b: 263.
 * arnoldi. Syllophopsis arnoldi Santschi, 1921c: 120, fig. 2d,e (w.) SOUTH AFRICA.
 * [Misspelled genus as Syllopsis.]
 * [Junior secondary homonym of Monomorium arnoldi Forel, 1913a: 137.]
 * Replacement name: Monomorium (Syllophopsis) jonesi Arnold, 1952a: 465.

Taxonomic Notes
As the replacement name jonesi was proposed before 1960 (when both arnoldi taxa were included in Monomorium), the replacement name retains validity under ICZN Art. 59.3. Therefore the priority awarded by Ward, et al. 2015: 73, is incorrect.]

Worker
Bolton (1987) - TL 2.2-2.3, HL 0.54-0.55, HW 0.40-0.41, CI 72-75, SL 0.43-0.44, SI 107-110, PW 0.29-0.30, AL 0.60-0.64 (2 measured).

Eyes of a single ommatidium, maximum diameter 0.05 x HW. Head relatively narrow (CI 75 or less) and antennal scapes relatively long, with SL always greater than HW (SI > 100). Promesonotal outline in profile evenly domed-convex, the metanotal groove sharply but narrowly impressed. Propodeal dorsal outline rising from the metanotal groove, then curving into the dorsum proper and sloping to the minute triangular denticles at the junction of dorsum and declivity; without a raised peak or transverse ridge at the highest point immediately behind the metanotal groove. All dorsal surfaces of the head and body with numerous short standing hairs. These hairs not as numerous as elsewhere in the group but I suspect that the syntypes are somewhat abraded. Scapes, tibiae and sides of head behind eyes, when seen in full-face view, with sparse appressed pubescence, none of which is erect or suberect. Head unsculptured except for minute scattered hair-pits. Alitrunk unsculptured except for the oblique impressed area between the mesopleuron and metapleuron/propodeum where some faint ribbing is present; and on the metapleuron which has some feeble longitudinal rugulae. Propodeum unsculptured above. Colour uniform yellow.

Type Material
Bolton (1987) - Syntype workers, South Africa: Natal, Mfongosi (Jones) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Ettershank G. 1966. A generic revision of the world Myrmicinae related to Solenopsis and Pheidologeton (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Aust. J. Zool. 14: 73-171.
 * Koen J. H., and W. Breytenbach. 1988. Ant species richness of fynbos and forest ecosystems in the Southern Cape. South Afr. Tydskr. Dierk. 23(3): 184-188.
 * Sharaf M. R., and A. S. Aldawood. 2013. First occurrence of the Monomorium hildebrandti-group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in the Arabian Peninsula, with description of a new species M. kondratieffi n. sp.