Monomorium bevisi

Identification
Bolton (1987) - A member of the M. schultzei complex in the M. monomorium species group. This dingy brown species is related to Monomorium firmum but has a much narrower metanotal groove which lacks the strong and conspicuous cross-ribs shown by firmum. Also the propodeal spiracle, which is large and dominates the side of the propodeum in firmum, is much smaller and pinhole-like in bevisi.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Lesotho.

Nomenclature

 * . Monomorium bevisi Arnold, 1944: 10, figs. 16, 16a (w.) LESOTHO.
 * Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated).
 * Type-locality: Lesotho (= Basutoland): (no further data), xii.1938 (A.L. Bevis).
 * Type-depository: SAMC.
 * Status as species: Ettershank, 1966: 87; Bolton, 1987: 379 (redescription); Bolton, 1995b: 259.
 * Distribution: Lesotho.

Worker
Bolton (1987) - TL 2.4-2.6, HL 0.60-0.63, HW 0.48-0.50, CI 78-80, SL 0.48-0.50, SI 100-106, PW 0.28-0.32, AL 0.66-0.72 (6 measured).

Anterior clypeal margin with a median notch-like concavity between the apices of the clypeal carinae; the latter sharply defined and subparallel, only feebly divergent anteriorly. Clypeal margin at apices of carinae angulate but without projecting triangular teeth or denticles. Eyes of moderate size, maximum diameter 0.20-0.22 x HW and with 6-7 ommatidia in the longest row. The eyes positioned so that their posterior margins are at the midlength of the sides in full-face view. Antennal scapes moderately long (SI 100 or more), when laid straight back from their insertions either reaching or only fractionally failing to reach the occipital margin. Sides of head almost straight in full-face view both in front of and behind the eyes; the sides curving towards the occipital corners. Promesonotal dorsum a low shallow convexity in profile, descending behind to the narrow and shallowly impressed metanotal groove. Cross-ribs of metanotal groove short and inconspicuous. Propodeal spiracle small, pinhole-like. Propodeal dorsum somewhat flattened but rounding evenly into the declivity. Petiole peduncle with a very low rounded anteroventral process. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with numerous standing hairs; more than eight pairs present on the promesonotum. Entirely lacking sculpture except for the cross-ribs of the metanotal groove and some faint indications on the metapleuron. Colour a dingy light brown throughout.

Type Material
Bolton (1987) - Syntype workers, Lesotho: xii. 1938 (A. L. Bevis) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Arnold G. 1944. New species of African Hymenoptera. No. 5. Occasional Papers of the National Museum of Southern Rhodesia. 2: 1-38.
 * Bolton B. 1987. A review of the Solenopsis genus-group and revision of Afrotropical Monomorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History). Entomology 54: 263-452.
 * Ettershank G. 1966. A generic revision of the world Myrmicinae related to Solenopsis and Pheidologeton (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Aust. J. Zool. 14: 73-171.
 * IZIKO South Africa Museum Collection