Simopone inculta

Specimens have been collected in low vegetation in tropical dry forest.

Identification
Key to Malagasy Simopone Species

A member of the emeryi species group. There are no pronotal humeral setae on the single known specimen of inculta, which may imply that they have been abraded away. But it should be noted that there are also no humeral setae on any of the seven specimens that make up the type-series of the closely related Simopone fera. The latter species shows considerable size-variation and this probably should also be expected in inculta. (Bolton and Fisher 2012)

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  inculta. Simopone inculta Bolton & Fisher, 2012: 55, figs. 55-57 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
Holotype. HL 1.84, HW 1.15, SL 0.50, EL 0.45, PW 0.97, AIIW 0.95, AIIL 0.92, AIIIW 1.10, AIIIL 1.08, WL 1.94, MFL 1.04, CI 63, SI 43, EL/HW 0.39, EP 1.00, AIIW/AIIL 1.03, AIIIW/AIIIL 1.02.

In full-face view anteriormost points of frontal lobes project far forward as a pair of lobes that extend considerably beyond the level of the anterior clypeal margin. Midpoint of anterior clypeal margin with a small convex tumulus, so that the margin is not evenly transverse or evenly convex across. Eyes located close to cephalic midlength (EP 1.00). Leading edge of scape without projecting setae. In full-face view sides of head from just behind clypeus to posterior corners without projecting setae. In profile cephalic dorsum without standing setae; setae distinct anteriorly on ventral surface of head. Cephalic dorsum between eyes punctate and with dense, longitudinally arranged, fine punctulate-striolate ground sculpture. Behind the level of the eyes the ground sculpture diminishes in intensity. In dorsal view the pronotum with a transverse carina anteriorly. Propodeal dorsum meets declivity through a narrowly rounded angle, without a carina. Promesonotal suture distinct, broadly V-shaped medially; metanotal groove faint but median pit conspicuous. Mesosoma in dorsal view with mesonotum fractionally narrower than pronotum; propodeum about the same width as mesonotum. Density of punctate sculpture on pronotal dorsum about the same as on mesonotal dorsum. Entire dorsum of mesosoma without setae. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of mesotibiae and metatibiae without projecting setae. Dorsal surface of AII (petiole) meets anterior surface in a narrowly rounded angle, without a transverse carina. Posteriorly the dorsum of AII rounds into the posterior surface, with an inconspicuous low ridge above the foramen. In dorsal view the posterior corners of AII are bluntly rounded and project slightly posteriorly. In dorsal view AII and AIII about as long as broad. Dorsal surfaces of abdominal tergites AII to AIV without setae, but setae present posteriorly on sternites of AIII and AIV. Abdominal tergites AII to AIV sculptured only with small punctures. Sternite of AIII with conspicuous, dense, grey pubescence that obscures the surface of the sclerite. Full adult colour black; appendages and clypeus slightly lighter.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: Prov. Antsiranana, Montagne Français, 7.2 km 142° SE Diego Suarez, 180 m, 12°19’S, 49°20’E, 22-28.ii.2001, BLF3152, CASENT0410475 (B.L. Fisher).