Simopone dux

Identification
Key to Malagasy Simopone Species

A member of the emeryi species group. This species is closely related to Simopone sicaria, but in that species the pronotal dorsal outline, in profile, is more or less evenly curved from front to back and the eye averages larger, as noted in the key. Apart from that, the punctate sculpture of the cephalic dorsum is somewhat more dense, and the individual foveolate punctures average larger in sicaria than in Simopone dux. In dux, roughly on the line between the median ocellus and the anteriormost point of the eye, relatively large foveolate punctures are sparse and tend to be widely spaced; the distances between the punctures averages a puncture diameter and is sometimes more. On the same line in sicaria the foveolate punctures are larger and closer together; the distance between them averages less than a puncture diameter and some are adjacent. Also see the identification section for Simopone rex. (Bolton and Fisher 2012)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  dux. Simopone dux Bolton & Fisher, 2012: 47, figs. 40-42 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
(holotype in parentheses). HL 1.76–2.16 (2.00), HW 1.28–1.78 (1.56), SL 0.62–0.80 (0.72), EL 0.48–0.60 (0.52), PW 1.02–1.35 (1.22), AIIW 0.94–1.26 (1.12), AIIL 0.94–1.12 (1.06), AIIIW 1.17–1.60 (1.42), AIIIL 1.12–1.48 (1.34), WL 2.06–2.60 (2.40), MFL 1.29–1.56 (1.50), CI 73–87 (78), SI 44–48 (46), EL/HW 0.31–0.37 (0.33), EP 1.42–1.70 (1.45), AIIW/AIIL 1.00–1.14 (1.06), AIIIW/AIIIL 1.02–1.13 (1.06) (7 measured).

In full-face view anteriormost points of frontal lobes are very slightly posterior to the level of the midpoint of the shallowly convex anterior clypeal margin. With head tilted slightly back from full-face view the clypeal margin in front of each antennal socket is rounded and prominent and projects very slightly farther forward than the midpoint of the anterior clypeal margin. Frontal carinae in full-face view diverging posteriorly and terminating at about the level of the anterior margins of the eyes. Eyes located behind the cephalic midlength (EP 1.42–1.70). Leading edge of scape with conspicuous projecting setae. In full-face view entire side of head with projecting long setae that are curved anteriorly. In profile entire dorsum of head, and ventral surface, with abundant curved standing setae. Cephalic dorsum between eyes with sparse foveolate punctures on a glossy surface. Anterior and dorsal surfaces of pronotum separated by a weak margination or very feeble carina. In profile the dorsal outline of the pronotum distinctly humped or swollen, the highest point conspicuously in front of the promesonotal suture and the outline distinctly sloping down to the suture. Propodeal dorsum curves evenly into the declivity, without a blunt angle or transverse carina. Promesonotal suture weakly impressed; metanotal groove faint to absent but median pit conspicuous. Mesosoma in dorsal view narrowest across mesonotum (in holotype PW 1.22, width across mesonotum at its midlength 1.02, maximum width across propodeum 1.18). Dorsum of mesosoma with scattered small punctures. Entire mesosoma dorsally with numerous standing setae. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of mesotibiae and metatibiae with standing setae that are curved or inclined toward the apex. Dorsal surface of AII (petiole) meets anterior surface in an angle or a weak transverse carina. Posteriorly the dorsum of AII lacks a carina but a weak transverse impression is usually present above the foramen. In dorsal view the posterior corners of AII extend into projecting sharp angles or small triangular teeth that project laterally or posterolaterally. Lateral surface of AII, below the dorsolateral margin and above the level of the spiracle, without a longitudinal ridge or carina that extends the length of the sclerite. In dorsal view AII and AIII vary from as long as broad to very slightly broader than long; AIV is broader than long. Abdominal tergites AII to AIV with numerous setae that are directed posteriorly and are mostly suberect to subdecumbent. Curved setae numerous and distinct on sternites of AIII and AIV. Abdominal tergites AII to AVI sculptured only with sparse punctures that are mostly minute. Full adult colour black, appendages blackish brown to black; clypeus varies from black to red. In profile sides of body often entirely black but a reddish spot may occur on side of AIII and AIV, and in the type-series a conspicuous red spot is also present on the side of the pronotum.

Type Material
Holotype worker (top specimen of three on pin), Madagascar: 45 km S Ambalavao, 22°13’S, 47°01’E, 785 m, 24.ix.1993, BLF691, CASENT0004549, on low vegn., rainforest (B.L. Fisher). Paratypes. 2 workers mounted below holotype on same pin (CASC).