Monomorium zhinu

The type specimens were taken from the leaf litter samples by Berlese funnels.

Identification
Terayama (2009) - Resembles Monomorium triviale, in Japan, but distinguished by the shape of petiole and postpetiole, and blackish color in gaster.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Taiwan.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 * . Monomorium zhinu Terayama, 2009: 155, fig. 213 (w.) TAIWAN.
 * Type-material: holotype worker, 1 paratype worker.
 * Type-locality: holotype Taiwan: Nantou Pref., Riyuetan, 28.vii.-2.viii.1988 (M. Terayama); paratype with same data.
 * Type-depository: NIAS.
 * Distribution: Taiwan.

Worker
HL 0.35, HW 0.29, SL 0.22, WL 0.43, PL 0.11, PH 0.15, DPW 0.10, PPL 0.08, PPH 0.10, PPW 0.10, TL 1.2.

Head smooth and shining, 1.22 times as long as wide, with convex posterior margin. CI = 82, SI= 74, Eye 0.06 mm in diameter. Alitrunk smooth and shining, with weakly convex promesonotal dorsum; metanotal groove shallowly incised; propodeal dorsum convex, posterodorsal corner not forming an angle. Petiolar node triangular, with obtusely angulate dorsal margin and convex dorsal margin. Postpetiole higher than long. Gaster smooth and shining.

Color. Head, alitrunk and pedicel yellow; gaster blackish brown; antenna and legs yellow.

Type Material
Holotype. Worker, Riyuetan, Nantou Pref., 28.vii.-2.viii.1988. Paratype. 1 w, same data as the holotype. NIAES.

Etymology
The specific epithet is the Chinese noun Zhinu, which is the name of a Taiwanese goddess.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Guénard B., and R. R. Dunn. 2012. A checklist of the ants of China. Zootaxa 3558: 1-77.
 * Terayama M. 2009. A synopsis of the family Formicidae of Taiwan (Insecta: Hymenoptera). Research Bulletin of Kanto Gakuen University. Liberal Arts 17:81-266.
 * Terayama Mamoru. 2009. A synopsis of the family Formicidae of Taiwan (Insecta, Hymenoptera). The Research Bulletin of Kanto Gakuen University 17: 81-266.
 * Terayama, M. 2009. A synopsis of the family Formicidae of Taiwan (Insecta; Hymenoptera). The Research Bulletin of Kanto Gakuen University 17: 81-266.