Syllophopsis cryptobia (Santschi, 1921)

(Figure 19 (a–c))

Monomorium cryptobium Santschi, 1921: 119, fig. 2 (w.) Democratic Republic of Congo. Afrotropic.

Heterick, 2006: 162 (q.). Combination in Monomorium: Bolton, 1987: 421; in Syllophopsis: Ward, Brady, Fisher & Schultz, 2015: 13.

Diagnosis

Worker. Eyes minute and consisting of a single ommatidium, located in front of midlength of head; promesonotum in profile with its dorsal outline evenly convex, not strongly dome-shaped; metanotal groove deeply and distinctly impressed in a U-shape; highest point of propodeum immediately behind the metanotal groove, without a sharp central peak or narrow transverse crest; propodeal dorsum meeting declivity with a small dent; body smooth and shining except for cross-ribbing at mesopleural–propodeal junction; all body surfaces covered with sparse, fine hairs, cephalic and gastral pilosity denser than mesosomal pilosity; uniform clear yellow, first gastral tergite light brown, some specimens pale brown-yellow.

Measurements of workers

EL 0.02; HL 0.42–0.48; HW 0.31–0.39; ML 0.49–0.55; PH 0.12–0.14; PL 0.11–0.15; PPH 0.09– 0.12; PPL 0.07–0.09; PPW 0.11–0.14; PRW 0.17–0.28; PW 0.09–0.14; SL 0.31–0.38; TL 1.64– 2.14; CI 69–87; SI 89–106 (N = 16).

Material examined

Yemen, Socotra Island, Dehejamo, 12.59049°N, 54.05205°E, 563 m. 22 April 2014, (M.R. Sharaf Leg.) (16 workers, KSMA, 1 w, CASC) .

Geographic range

This species is originally described from Democratic Republic of Congo and is widespread throughout the forests of west and central Africa (Bolton 1987). It is recorded for the first time from Socotra Archipelago.

Ecological and biological notes

Workers of Syllophopsis cryptobia were found on a mountainside near former drainage of the mountain crest. The area has a high plant diversity dominated by Adiantum capillus-veneris L. ( Pteridaceae). This species was collected from leaf litter using a sifting tray where the soils were moist. This ant was found coexisting with Brachyponera sennaarensis . In Africa, this species has been report to be abundant in layers of topsoil and leaf litter (Bolton 1987).