Ocymyrmex monardi

Identification
This moderately sized quite darkly coloured species is closely related to Ocymyrmex fortior, but is separated from it and from other close forms by the distinctive pattern of sculpture on the head. (Bolton 1981)

Key to Ocymyrmex workers

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

Nomenclature

 *  monardi. Ocymyrmex weitzeckeri st. monardi Santschi, 1930b: 68 (w.) ANGOLA. Raised to species: Bolton, 1981b: 273.

Worker
Bolton (1981) - TL 7.4-8.1, HL 1.78-1.88, HW 1.68-1.86, CI 95-99, SL 1.60-1.72, SI 92-95, PW 1.06-1.24, AL 2.22-2.40 (3 measured).

Anterior clypeal margin medially with a distinct semicircular impression which is flanked on each side by a small tooth. Eyes with maximum diameter 0.37-0.40, about 0.21-0.22 x HW. Promesonotum in profile evenly rounded, sloping posteriorly to the propodeum which itself slopes very shallowly to the evenly rounded posterior angle where the dorsum meets the declivity. Metapleural lobes small, broadly rounded to truncate posteriorly, not triangular. Metapleural glands not strongly swollen nor strongly projecting posteriorly, in profile not concealing even the bases of the metapleural lobes. Petiole in profile with the node evenly rounded, dome-like; in dorsal view the node as broad as long or slightly longer than broad. Postpetiole in dorsal view very slightly longer than broad. Base of first gastral tergite constricted. Sculpture on dorsum of head characteristic; space between frontal lobes and median strip of dorsum behind the frontal lobes finely and densely longitudinally costulate, with feeble punctulate ground-sculpture between the costulae. Behind the level of the eyes the costulae of this median area become much weaker and show signs of diverging, or fade out altogether, being replaced partially or entirely by coarse punctulate or granular sculpture which is very dense and conspicuous. The space between the inner margin of the eye and the antennal fossa, and the area extending back from this level to the occiput covered with dense irregular granular sculpture. Dorsal alitrunk and propodeal declivity transversely rugose except for the space between the mesothoracic spiracles and the median strip of the pronotum in front of this level, where the rugae are longitudinal. Petiole and postpetiole unsculptured except for faint superficial patterning or the former at most with a few vestigial transverse rugulae ventrally. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with hairs, but those on the first gastral tergite shorter and much sparser than on the alitrunk, where strong hairs are conspicuous. Alitrunk dull red to reddish tinted black, the head somewhat lighter in shade.

Type Material
Bolton (1981) - Syntype workers, Angola: Cakindo (A. Manard) [examined].