Monomorium occidentale

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Bolton (1987) - A member of the M. altinode complex in the M. monomorium species group. The form of the clypeus in occidentale is reminiscent of the Madeiran Monomorium carbonarium, but in the latter species the metanotal groove is broad and strongly cross-ribbed, the clypeal teeth are by no means as spectacularly developed, and the petiolar peduncle is relatively longer. The overall appearance of occidentale is that of a very specialized member of the altinode-complex, immediately isolated by the form of the clypeus and its teeth.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Guinea, Sierra Leone.

Nomenclature

 *  occidentale. Monomorium (Monomorium) occidentale Bernard, 1953b: 236, fig. 10 (w.q.) GUINEA. See also: Bolton, 1987: 404.

Worker
Bolton (1987) - TL 1.8-2.1, HL 0.48-0.54, HW 0.38-0.44, CI 76-81, SL 0.32-0.36, SI 80-87, PW 0.26-0.30, AL 0.50-0.60 (10 measured).

Clypeal carinae distinct, divergent anteriorly and the space between the carinae transversely shallowly concave. Anterior clypeal margin characteristically shaped and isolating the species from all other Afrotropical members of the group, being equipped with a pair of elongate narrow anteriorly projecting teeth at the corners of the prominent median portion of the clypeus. The teeth are usually slightly curved towards the midline and the anterior clypeal margin between them is conspicuously concave. Maximum diameter of eye 0.20-0.23 x HW and with 5-7 ommatidia in the longest row. In full-face view the eyes in front of the midlength of the sides. Antennal scapes, when laid straight back from their insertions, failing to reach the occipital margin; the latter broad and shallowly concave. Promesonotum evenly shallowly convex in profile, sloping posteriorly to the narrow but distinctly indented metanotal groove. Metanotal cross-ribs short but conspicuous. Propodeal spiracle very large, dominating the side of the sclerite. Petiole in profile with a high narrow node and a small lobate anteroventral process on the short peduncle. Postpetiole with a vertical anterior face, not as high as the petiole and more broadly rounded above. All surfaces of head and body with numerous standing hairs, the promesonotum with 7 or more pairs and the propodeum usually with 5 pairs. Sculpture absent except for scattered minute hair-pits and metanotal cross-ribs. Some specimens with sculptured vestiges on the mesopleuron. Colour dark brown, the gaster tending to blackish brown in some.

Type Material
Bolton (1987) - Lectotype worker, Guinea: Ziela Savano-To, 850 m (Lamotte) (here designated) [examined].

The above lectotype designation was rendered necessary by Bernard's inclusion of some workers referable to Monomorium invidium in the type-series of occidentale. Those referable to invidium were Bernard's 'cotypes' from NE. Nimba (Villiers). Bernard's 'types' bearing the numbers F108, T125, T127 , T128, T130, and the female T125 are now designated paralectotypes of occidentale.