Monomorium algiricum

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Algeria, Iberian Peninsula, Spain.

Biology
Thirty-five colonies of Monomorium algiricum were excavated at different times of the year (Peeters & Tinaut 2014). New sexuals (ergatoid queens and males) were found during a short period at the end of summer. Dissection of spermathecae in 331 queens revealed that new gynes mate soon after emergence. Ovarian activity was assessed to distinguish between "old" and newly mated queens. Both monogynous and polygynous colonies were found throughout the year; queens in the latter were less fecund. Sexuals were not produced in some polygynous colonies. The life history of M. algiricum is complex due to interactions between extreme seasonality (no foraging and no egg-laying during six months of the year), coexistence between "old" and newly mated ergatoid queens, and the irregularity inherent to colony fission.

Castes
Queens are ergatoid and markedly bigger than workers. Due to lack of wing muscles, the thorax of ergatoid queens is worker-like with a decreased volume and pronounced fusion of flight sclerites. Queens have 28-40 ovarioles (Peeters & Tinaut 2014).



Nomenclature

 *  algiricum. Epixenus algiricus Bernard, 1955b: 274, figs. 1, 2 (w.q.l.) ALGERIA. Tinaut & Ortiz, 1988: 167 (m.). Combination in Monomorium: Brown & Wilson, 1957b: 245.

Additional References

 * [[Media:Bernard 1955b.pdf|Bernard, F. 1955b. Morphologie et comportement des fourmis lestobiotiques du genre Epixenus Emery. Insectes Soc. 2: 273-283 PDF]]
 * Peeters, C. & Tinaut, A. 2014. Reconstructing life history in ants: Ergatoid queens, facultative monogyny and dependent colony foundation in Monomorium algiricum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Myrmecological News 20: 77-85.