Key to Afrotropical Simopone Species

A key to Simopone workers of the Afrotropical region. Based on: Bolton, B. & Fisher, B.L. 2012. Taxonomy of the cerapachyine ant genera Simopone Forel, Vicinopone gen. n. and Tanipone gen. n. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Zootaxa, 3283, 1–101. [[Media:Bolton & Fisher 2012.pdf|PDF]]

There are 18 species in the Afrotropical region. This includes all 11 species of the schoutedeni group, 6 species of the emeryi group and a single species of the grandidieri group. S. matthiasi and miniflava are known only from queens.

1

 * Mesopleuron entire, without a distinctly incised transverse sulcus that crosses the entire sclerite and is continuous with, and as strongly developed as, the sulcus between mesopleuron and metapleuron. Dorsal apex of pygidium with a conspicuous, stoutly bifid cuticular fork above the sting . . . . . 2


 * Mesopleuron divided into upper and lower sections by a distinctly incised transverse sulcus that crosses the entire sclerite; posteriorly the sulcus continuous with, and as strongly developed as, the sulcus between mesopleuron and metapleuron. Dorsal apex of pygidium at most with an inconspicuous pair of somewhat enlarged marginal teeth above the sting . . . . . 6