Monomorium katir

This species has been found in Bushveld, grassland, and shrubland.

Identification
Bolton (1987) - The relatively very large eyes of this small species and its reduced dorsal pilosity render it easily recognizable. For discussion of related species see under Monomorium balathir.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Namibia.

Nomenclature

 *  katir. Monomorium katir Bolton, 1987: 395, figs. 72, 74 (w.) NAMIBIA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 1.9, HL 0.50, HW 0.38, CI 76, SL 0.34, S1 89, PW 0.25, AL 0.50.

Clypeal carinae well developed, distinctly divergent anteriorly and terminating in a pair of weakly salient but acute angles on the anterior margin, these prominent angles separating the shallowly concave anterior margin of the median projecting portion of the clypeus from its sides. Eyes relatively very large, their maximum diameter 0.37 x HW and with 7-8 ommatidia in the longest row. In profile the maximum diameter of the eye is almost two times greater than the distance separating the anteriormost point of the eye from the nearest point of the mandibular articulation. In full-face view the eyes in front of the midlength of the sides, their posterior margins approximately at the midlength. Antennal scapes, when laid straight back from their insertions, failing to reach the occipital margin. Sides of head in full-face view widest at the eyes, shallowly convex and weakly convergent posteriorly. Occipital margin almost transverse, with only the faintest hint of concavity. Head in profile somewhat dorsoventrally flattened, the ventral surface less convex than the dorsal. Promesonotum shallowly convex in profile, sloping posteriorly to the narrow and shallowly impressed metanotal groove. Metanotal cross-ribs short and inconspicuous, the propodeal spiracle small. Petiole node high and narrow in profile, narrowly rounded above. Anterior peduncle of petiole short and stout, the ventral process conspicuous. Postpetiole node smaller lower and more broadly rounded than the petiole. Dorsal surfaces of body only sparsely hairy, the promesonotum with only 3 pairs of standing hairs, but all dorsal surfaces with standing hairs present. Sculpture absent except for minute scattered hair-pits, weak metanotal cross-ribs and some vestigial traces on the mesopleuron. Colour glossy light brownish yellow, the head and gaster slightly darker in shade than the alitrunk.

Paratypes. TL 1.7-1.9, HL 0.48-0.51, HW 0.35-0.38, CI 72-76, SL 0.32-0.34, SI 89-94, PW 0.23-0.25, AL 0.44-0.50 (12 measured). As holotype but maximum diameter of eye 0.35-0.38 x HW. Some workers have only two pairs of promesonotal standing hairs, the posteriormost pair being absent, and the subpetiolar process may be smaller and less conspicuous than is indicated in Fig. 74.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Namibia: Namib desert, 15° 18' E, 23° 06' S, pitfall sample P3, 1984 (A. C. Marsh). Paratypes. 11 workers with same data as holotype; 6 workers with same data but 15° 24' E, 23° 06' S, sample P4 (BMNH; ; ).