Key to Afrotropical Syllophopsis

No new species has been decribed since Bolton (1987), who revises the genus Monomorium for the Afrotropics.

As Monomorium has been split into Monomorium, Syllophopsis and Trichomyrmex, this key is extracted from that of Bolton

1

 * Metanotal groove in profile a simple indentation of the surface which is scarcely impressed. Propodeum in absolute profile with the dorsum and declivity meeting in a rounded or sharp angle, but without small teeth or projecting denticles at their junction..... Syllophopsis modesta
 * Metanotal groove in profile a sharply impressed "U"- or "V"-shaped depression. Propodeum in absolute profile with the dorsum and declivity meeting in a sharp angle which is usually equipped with a minute but conspicuous projecting denticle …..2

2
return to couplet #1
 * Brown to blackish brown species …..3
 * Yellow species …..4

3
return to couplet #2
 * Lower half of mesopleuron sculptured. Propodeum in dorsal view with a short transverse crest behind the metanotal groove, this crest appearing as a narrow acute peak in profile at the summit of the propodeum immediately behind the metanotal groove..... Syllophopsis malamixta
 * Lower half of mesopleuron smooth. Propodeum in dorsal view without a transverse crest behind the metanotal groove, in profile the propodeal dorsum raised and narrowly rounded immediately behind the metanotal groove but this raised portion not surmounted by an acute peak ..... Syllophopsis cryptobia (part)

4
return to couplet #2
 * Lower half of mesopleuron sculptured..... Syllophopsis sersalata
 * Lower half of mesopleuron smooth …..5

5
return to couplet #4
 * Smaller species, HL 0.36-0.43, HW 0.28-0.34, SL 0.26-0.31 ..... Syllophopsis cryptobia (part)
 * Larger species, HL 0.46-0.55, HW 0.38-0.43, SL 0.36-0.44 …..6

6
return to couplet #5
 * Antennal scapes relatively short, SI 91-95 ..... Syllophopsis elgonensis
 * Antennal scapes relatively long, SI 103-110 …..7

7
return to couplet #6
 * Pubescence of scapes and of sides of head behind eyes dense and erect to suberect ..... Syllophopsis thrascolepta
 * Pubescence of scapes and of sides of head behind eyes sparse and short, appressed. CI 72-75 ..... Syllophopsis jonesi