Monomorium tablense

This species has been collected in montane rainforest leaf-litter.

Identification
Bolton (1987) - A member of the M. rhopalocerum complex in the M. monomorium species group. Originally described as a stirps of Monomorium altinode, because of the shape of the petiole node, tablense is really related to Monomorium rhopalocerum and its allies, but is separated from any other species of this complex by its strangely shaped petiole and large eyes. Of the allies of rhopalcerum, Monomorium binatu (=Monomorium termitobium) approaches tablense most closely in node shape, but in binatu (termitobium) the scapes are longer (SI 100-103) and reach the occipital margin, and the metanotal groove is much broader and more deeply impressed.

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

Nomenclature

 *  tablense. Monomorium altinode st. tablensis Santschi, 1932a: 384, figs. 6, 7 (w.q.) SOUTH AFRICA. Raised to species: Bolton, 1987: 414.

Worker
Bolton (1987) - TL 2.1-2.2, HL 0.52-0.54, HW 0.40-0.42, CI 77-78, SL 0.39-0.40, SI 95-98, PW 0.26-0.27, AL 0.54-0.56 (2 measured).

Projecting median portion of clypeus with its anterior margin and lateral margins separated by blunt angles, without projecting prominences or denticles. Clypeal carinae weakly divergent anteriorly. Maximum diameter of eye 0.24-0.25 x HW and with 6-7 ommatidia in the longest row. With the head in full-face view the posterior margins of the eyes distinctly in front of the midlength of the sides and the antennal scapes, when laid straight back from their insertions, failing to reach the occipital margin. Occipital margin of head broad and shallowly concave, the sides very weakly convex in full-face view. Promesonotum convex in profile, sloping posteriorly to the narrow and shallowly impressed metanotal groove. Propodeal spiracle small, the dorsal surface of the segment sloping posteriorly and separated from the declivity by a very obtuse bluntly rounded angle. Petiole node very narrow in profile, high and with its anterior face evenly shallowly concave, posterior face of node weakly convex. Postpetiole node smaller and rounded. Subpetiolar process a small ridge or lobe. Head and alitrunk of both extant syntypes very abraded and probably showing less hair than was originally present. Promesonotum with 2 pairs of hairs; probably more in fresh specimens. Metanotal groove with short fine cross-ribs and mesopleuron with vestiges of granulate or reticulate sculpture, but otherwise the entire body smooth and unsculptured. Colour brownish yellow to light brown.

Type Material
Bolton (1987) - Syntype workers, female, South Africa: Cape Prov., Table Mt, 28.xii.1913 (G. Arnold) [examined].

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Ettershank G. 1966. A generic revision of the world Myrmicinae related to Solenopsis and Pheidologeton (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Aust. J. Zool. 14: 73-171.
 * French K., and R. E. Major. 2001. Effect of an exotic Acacia (Fabaceae) on ant assemblages in South African fynbos. Austral Ecology 26: 303310.
 * Santschi F. 1932. Formicides sud-africains. Pp. 381-392 in: Jeannel, R. (ed.) 1932. Société Entomologique de France. Livre du centenaire. Paris: Société Entomologique de France, xii + 729 pp.