Monomorium zulu

This species has been collected in open woodland habitats.

Identification
Bolton (1987) - A member of the M. mediocre complex in the M. salomonis species group. Despite differences between zulu and Monomorium rabirium (see description below and identification and description sections for rabirium), I suspect that future collections of these forms made between their respective type-localities in Botswana and South Africa may well show a gradation of one form into the other.

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

Nomenclature

 *  zulu. Monomorium zulu Santschi, 1914e: 18 (w.) SOUTH AFRICA. See also: Bolton, 1987: 365.

Worker
Bolton (1987) - TL 1.7-1.8, HL 0.44-0.46, HW 0.34, CI 74-77, SL 0.29-0.30, SI 85-88, PW 0.20-0.22, AL 0.44-0.46 (2 measured).

Very closely related to Monomorium rabirium (mediocre-complex) and sharing its diagnostic characters, as given under the description of rabirium. The two differ in the following features.

rabirium Maximum diameter of eye 0·26-0·28 x HW, with 7 -8 ommatidia in the longest row. SI 92-97. Cephalic dorsum with traces of superficial reticular patterning close to occipital margin. Pronotal dorsum reticulate to shagreenate.

zulu Maximum diameter of eye 0·24-0·26 x HW, with 5-6 ommatidia in the longest row. SI 85-88. Cephalic dorsum smooth with scattered small pits close to occipital margin. Pronotal dorsum smooth.

Type Material
Bolton (1987) - Syntype workers, South Africa: Natal, Zululand, Junction of Umfolozis, 10.vii.1905 (I. Tragardh) [examined].