Monomorium lubricum

A collection of this species was made in Bushveld, which is the only thing known about the biology of .

Identification
Bolton (1987) - A member of the M. boerorum complex in the M. monomorium species group. Known only from the short syntypic series, lubricum is distinguished from its relatives, Monomorium paternum and Monomorium nuptialis, by its very large and conspicuous subpetiolar process.

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

Nomenclature

 * . Monomorium lubricum Arnold, 1948: 218, fig. 7 (w.) SOUTH AFRICA.
 * Type-material: 10 syntype workers.
 * Type-locality: South Africa: Transvaal. Marieskop, vii.1944 (J.C. Faure).
 * Type-depository: SAMC.
 * Status as species: Bolton, 1987: 398 (redescription); Bolton, 1995b: 264.
 * Distribution: South Africa.

Worker
Bolton (1987) - TL 2.3-2.5, HL 0.52-0.56, HW 0.44-0.47, CI 82-84, SL 0.35-0.38, SI 78-81, PW 0.27-0.28, AL 0·60-0·64 (5 measured).

Prominent median portion of clypeus with its anterior margin approximately transverse to very feebly concave, usually with an exceptionally small central indentation. Clypeal carinae weakly developed, widely separated and strongly divergent anteriorly. Projecting median section of anterior clypeal margin rounding into the anterolateral sections, not angulate nor denticulate where the carinae run to the margin. Eyes of moderate size, their maximum diameter 0.20-0.22 x HW and with 5-6 ommatidia in the longest row. With the head in full-face view the posterior margins of the eyes in front of the midlength of the sides. Antennal scapes relatively short (SI < 85), when laid straight back on the head the scapes obviously failing to reach the occipital margin. In full-face view the sides of the head evenly shallowly convex and broadest at about the midlength. Occipital margin very shallowly transversely concave. Promesonotal dorsum evenly convex, sloping posteriorly to the weakly impressed narrow metanotal groove. Propodeal dorsum and declivity forming a single smooth even convexity in profile. Propodeal spiracle small. Petiolar peduncle short and stout, shorter than the height of the node. Subpetiolar process a large keel-like translucent lamella whose ventral margin is more or less straight. Dorsal surface of petiole node with a shallow median indentation. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with standing hairs present, the promesonotum with 6-7 pairs. Entirety of body smooth and shining, unsculptured except for cross-ribs at the metanotal groove. Colour glossy dark brown.

Type Material
Bolton (1987) - Syntype workers, South Africa: Transvaal, Marieskop, vii. 1944 (J. C. Faure) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Arnold G. 1948. New species of African Hymenoptera. No. 8. Occasional Papers of the National Museum of Southern Rhodesia 2: 213-250.