Solenopsis occipitalis

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Egypt, Tunisia.

Nomenclature

 *  occipitalis. Solenopsis occipitalis Santschi, 1911f: 83 (w.) TUNISIA. Combination in S. (Diplorhoptrum): Santschi, 1934e: 575. See also: Sharaf, Taylor & Klingenberg, 2009: 55.

Worker
Sharaf et al. (2009) - TL 1.30–1.71, HL 0.41–0.48, HW 0.38–0.41, SL 0.26–0.29, PL 0.12–0.17, PW 0.12–0.15, PPL 0.09–0.11, PPW 0.14–0.15, EL 0.04–0.05, AL 0.44–0.49, SI 68–70, CI 85–95 (4 measured).

Head rectangular, a little longer than broad. Occipital margin straight with rounded posterior corners. Clypeal carinae divergent anteriorly and running to the margin where they project as a pair of well developed teeth. Eyes with a single facet situated at the anterior third of the head sides. Mandibles armed with four teeth. Mesosoma quite short, promesonotum convex. Metanotal groove distinct. Propodeum short, high and clearly convex, with the basal face making a continuous arc with the declivity. Petiole narrow and little higher than long. A smooth and shining species. Pilosity pale, fine and abundant. Body colour yellow. Masticatory margin of the mandibles and the first gastral tergite dark brown; antennae and legs yellow.

Santschi described the eyes of this species as consisting of three facets, but only a single, oval and relatively large facet was seen in all type workers. In addition he mentioned that the masticatory margin of the mandibles, the occiput, petiole and the first gastral tergite were dark brown; with the antennae and legs yellow. We find this species is unicolorous yellow except for the masticatory margin of the mandibles and the first gastral tergite which are pale brown.

Type Material
Sharaf et al. (2009) - Syntype workers, TUNISIA: Ain-Draham and Le Kef (Normand) [examined].