Simopelta jeckylli

The type collection consisted of workers collected under forest litter, which appeared to be traveling in a definite direction, suggesting a foraging column (Gotwald and Brown, 1966).

Identification
Mackay and Mackay (2008) - The large diameter punctures on the head of this species (larger than the size of the eyes) will separate it from all of the others in the genus. In addition, the spine on the clypeus will separate it from many species, which may have similar sculpture, such as Simopelta oculata. It is larger than Simopelta pergandei.

Key to Simopelta

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil, Ecuador.

Castes
Known only from the worker caste.

Nomenclature

 *  jeckylli. Belonopelta jeckylli Mann, 1916: 415, pl. 2, figs. 12, 13 (w.) BRAZIL. Combination in B. (Simopelta): Mann, 1922: 10; in Simopelta: Wheeler, W.M. 1935d: 14; in Belonopelta: Baroni Urbani, 1975b: 300; in Simopelta: Bolton, 1995b: 383. See also: Gotwald & Brown, 1967; 267; Mackay & Mackay, 2008: 303.

Worker
Mackay and Mackay (2008) - The worker is a medium to large sized specimen (total length 4-5 mm). Color ranges from dark reddish-brown, with a ferrugineus gaster and appendages, to black, usually with lighter colored appendages. The mandibles have 3 teeth, but there may be a bump or a tiny tooth in the diastema. The anterior border of the clypeus is formed into a medial spine. The sides of the head are nearly parallel, but are slightly narrowed posteriorly. The eye is tiny (maximum diameter 0.02 mm) approximately the same size, or slightly smaller than the coarse, surrounding punctures. The antennal scape barely surpasses the posterior lateral corner of the head. The shape of the mesosoma, and petiole are similar to that of other members of the genus.

The head, mesosoma, and petiole are covered with coarse punctures, the mandibles, scapes, and gaster are moderately to strongly shining (the gaster is smooth and glossy).

Erect, mostly short (up to 0.1 mm) hairs are found on the head, scape, mesosoma, legs, petiole, and gaster. The erect hairs on the scapes are sparse, and of varying lengths, but none is over 0.12 mm in length.

Type Material
Mackay and Mackay (2008) - Worker, Brasil: Rondônia: E. F. Madeira-Mamoré, km. 284 [lectotype and 48 paralectotypes seen,, ]