Lepisiota simplex

Identification
Sharaf et al. (2016) - Lepisiota simplex differs from Lepisiota capensis by the following characters: pilosity less abundant on body surface, represented by a few pairs scattered over propodeal dorsum and gastral tergites; eyes larger, with approximately 16 ommatidia in the longest row (EL 0.36 × HW, OI 36) and smaller head (HL 0.55, HW 0.50) versus smaller eyes, with about 10 ommatidia in the longest row (EL 0.19 × HW, OI 20) and relatively larger head (HL 0.77, HW 0.66) in L. capensis. In addition, L. simplex has a smooth and shining mesosoma, whereas in L. capensis the mesosoma is irregularly sculptured and dull.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: Kenya, Lesotho, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Zimbabwe. Oriental Region: Bangladesh, India.

Nomenclature

 *  simplex. Acantholepis simplex Forel, 1892a: 43 (diagnosis in key) (w.) SOMALIA.
 * Combination in Lepisiota: Bolton, 1995b: 228.
 * Forel, 1892e: 351 (m.).
 * Subspecies of capensis: Forel, 1907g: 86 (footnote); Arnold, 1920a: 572; Wheeler, W.M. 1922a: 937; Emery, 1925b: 24; Weber, 1943c: 330.
 * Status as species: Forel, 1892e: 350 (redescription); Dalla Torre, 1893: 172; Forel, 1894c: 414; Bingham, 1903: 317; Forel, 1910e: 449; Forel, 1913a: 143; Forel, 1916: 438; Santschi, 1914d: 378; Collingwood, 1985: 295; Bolton, 1995b: 228; Sharaf, Monks, et al. 2016: 11.

Taxonomic Notes
A specimen in (MCZC #21405) is labelled as a type but was collected by Taylor rather than Keller. It is likely this is not a true type.