Monomorium paternum

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
Bolton (1987) - This medium-sized species appears closest related to Monomorium lubricum and Monomorium nuptualis. The former is distinguished by its much more massively developed subpetiolar process. The latter is a smaller species with a relatively longer head, longer scapes and smaller eyes.

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

Nomenclature

 *  paternum. Monomorium paternum Bolton, 1987: 405, fig. 89 (w.) SOUTH AFRICA.

Worker
Holotype. TL 2.3, HL 0.53, HW 0.44, CI 83, SL 0.36, SI 82, PW 0.28, AL 0.56.

Clypeal carinae moderately developed, widely separated posteriorly, outcurved, strongly divergent and petering out anteriorly. Prominent median portion of clypeus broad, its anterior margin concave in the middle of its width, the concavity not extending to the anterolateral angles of the prominent median portion of clypeus. Anterior and lateral margins of prominent median portion of clypeus separated by a broad blunt angle, without projecting angles or denticles of any description. Maximum diameter of eye 0.18 x HW and apparently with 5-6 ommatidia in the longest row. The actual number is difficult to discern as both eyes of the holotype are concave centrally. Whether this feature occurs in live individuals or is an artifact of preservation is not known. With the head in full-face view the eyes well in front of the midlength of the sides and the scapes, when laid straight back, failing to reach the occipital margin. Sides of head behind eyes shallowly convex and feebly convergent posteriorly, rounding into the broad and shallowly concave occipital margin. Head dorsoventrally flattened, in profile only weakly biconvex. Promesonotum only feebly convex, sloping posteriorly to the narrow and shallowly impressed metanotal groove. Propodeum feebly convex, sloping posteriorly and the dorsum rounding broadly and evenly into the declivity. Propodeal spiracle small. Petiole with a short stout anterior peduncle which is equipped below with a broad translucent strip-like process. Postpetiole node smaller than petiole in profile, in dorsal view both nodes broader than long. Holotype abraded but all dorsal surfaces apparently with standing hairs present, the promesonotum probably with 4-5 pairs in life. Entire body smooth and shining, lacking sculpture except for minute hair-pits and metanotal cross-ribs. Colour glossy medium to dark brown.

Type Material
Holotype worker, South Africa: Cape Prov., Table Mt, no. 300 (G. Arnold) (examined).