Syllophopsis saudiensis

The new species was foraging in the upper layer of loose soil under a date palm tree Phoenix dectylifera L. with an understory of grasses. Only two workers were collected and this species was coexisting with many workers of Monomorium exiguum Forel, 1894 and Tapinoma simrothi Krausse, 1911. The soil was dry but rich in organic material. Specimens were collected using a sifting tray. The paratype specimen from Al Qatif was found in the soil around a date palm tree and associated with the ants Nylanderia jaegerskioeldi (Mayr, 1904), Monomorium monomorium Bolton, 1987, Monomorium carbonarium (Smith, 1858), and Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius, 1793). It is noteworthy to mention the habitats preference of this group of tiny yellow ants is confined to soil, and leaf litter surrounding P. dectylifera trees. The type localities of both Syllophopsis kondratieffi and S. saudiensis have extensive date palm plantations.

Distribution
The distribution of S. saudiensis may be similar to that of S. kondratieffi in the central and eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, especially if the apparent preferred habitat occurs. Both species may have a wider distribution that could include other countries of the Arabian Peninsula.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Saudi Arabia.

Nomenclature

 *  saudiensis. Syllophopsis saudiensis Aldawood, 2016: 140, figs. 2–3 (w.) SAUDI ARABIA.