Monomorium captator

One collection of this species was made from a Aucoumea klaineana tree.

Identification
Bolton (1987) - A member of the M. altinode complex in the M. monomorium species group. Among the immediate relatives of Monomorium altinode and Monomorium arnoldi are those species in which the petiole node is high, narrowly rounded and anteroposteriorly compressed, the postpetiole high and with a vertical anterior face, and the colour yellow. M. captator is distinguished among these forms by its relatively large propodeal spiracle and dense alitrunk pilosity.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon.

Nomenclature

 * . Monomorium (Monomorium) captator Santschi, 1936a: 43 (w.) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.
 * Type-material: holotype worker.
 * Type-locality: Congo (“Moyen Congo”): Ronga (no collector’s name).
 * Type-depository: NHMB.
 * [Monomorium captator Santschi, 1932a: 385. Nomen nudum.]
 * Status as species: Ettershank, 1966: 88; Bolton, 1987: 382 (redescription); Bolton, 1995b: 260.
 * Distribution: Congo, Gabon.

Worker
Bolton (1987) - TL 1.8-1.9, HL 0.52-0.54, HW 0.41-0.42, CI 77-81, SL 0.36-0.38, SI 88-93, PW 0.26-0.28, AL 0.53-0.55 (5 measured).

Clypeal carinae sharply developed, widely separated and divergent anteriorly, terminating at the anterior clypeal margin in a pair of low triangular prominences or denticles. Anterior margin of projecting median portion of clypeus concave between these triangular prominences and usually with an indentation at the site of the median setal socket. Maximum diameter of eye 0.24-0.26 x HW and with 6-7 ommatidia in the longest row. With the head in full-face view the eyes in front of the midlength of the sides and the scapes, when laid straight back from their insertions, failing to reach the occipital margin. Sides of head in full-face view evenly shallowly convex, the occipital margin broad and transverse to broadly and very shallowly concave. Alitrunk in profile with the promesonotum shallowly convex anteriorly and evenly sloping posteriorly to the weakly impressed metanotal groove. Cross-ribs of metanotal groove well developed but mostly only short; a few longer cross-ribs occur laterally, about at the level of the propodeal spiracle. Propodeal dorsum in profile with a very short convex area immediately behind the metanotal groove, the remainder of the surface more or less flat and sloping posteriorly. Dorsum and declivity of propodeum meeting in a broad curve. Propodeal spiracle large, larger than is usually seen in relatives of Monomorium altinode but smaller than that seen in such as Monomorium kineti. Petiole node in profile high and narrow, anteroposteriorly compressed and narrowly rounded above. Postpetiole more broadly rounded above and somewhat lower than the petiole, but with a conspicuous vertical anterior face. All dorsal surfaces of head and body with numerous standing hairs; the promesonotum with more than 8 pairs. Head and body unsculptured except for hair-pits, metanotal cross-ribs and some faint vestiges of sculpture on the lower mesopleuron. Colour glossy dull yellow, the head slightly darker in shade than the alitrunk.

Type Material
Bolton (1987) - Holotype worker, Zaire: Ronga  [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Bolton B. 1987. A review of the Solenopsis genus-group and revision of Afrotropical Monomorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History). Entomology 54: 263-452.
 * Braet Y., and B. Taylor. 2008. Mission entomologique au Parc National de Pongara (Gabon). Bilan des Formicidae (Hymenoptera) recoltes. Bulletin S. R. B. E./K.B.V.E. 144: 157-169.