Alfaria simulans

Identification
Brandao and Lattke (1990) - The body surfaces of Gnamptogenys simulans, Gnamptogenys falcifera and Gnamptogenys vriesi share a characteristic sculpturing; except for the legs, mandibles, anterolateral portions of frontal lobes and anterior portion of clypeus; very finely striolate and mostly covered by piligerous foveolae. In G. vriesi the fovolae are nearly contiguous and the stiolation can be seen only at high magnifications at the confluence of the depressions. From each foveola departs an eccentric hair, which is turned in different directions, depending on the area of the body. G. simulans and G. facifera may have extensive areas smooth and shining, but it G. vriesi the foveolae cover all body surfaces, except the cited ones. The holotype worker of the latter had these foveolae filled with earth, in a manner similar to that found by Holldobler and Wilson (1986) in Basiceros and Stegomyrmex (Myrmicinae).

The propodeal declivity in the three species bears a crested depression, completely sculptured with radiate punctations, clearly centered at the foramen in the new Ecuadorean species, but faintly visible in the previously described ones. These combined features distinguish these species from other taxa described as Gnamptogenys and also from other species of the Alfaria group. They may be considered thus as forming a distinct subgroup of the Alfaria group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico , Panama.

Nomenclature

 *  simulans. Alfaria simulans Emery, 1896e: 177 (footnote) (w.) COSTA RICA.
 * [Also described as new by Emery, 1896g: 42 (w.q.m.).]
 * Combination in Gnamptogenys: Brown, 1958g: 229.
 * Status as species: Brown, 1958g: 229, 316; Lattke, 1992a: 128; Bolton, 1995b: 210; Lattke, et al. 2007: 260 (in key); Lattke & Delsinne, 2016: 142.
 * Senior synonym of bufonis: Lattke & Delsinne, 2016: 142.
 * bufonis. Alfaria bufonis Mann, 1926: 101 (w.) MEXICO.
 * Combination in Gnamptogenys: Brown, 1958g: 227.
 * Status as species: Brown, 1958g: 227, 317; Bolton, 1995b: 208; Lattke, 1992a: 126; Lattke, et al. 2007: 264 (in key).
 * Junior synonym of simulans: Lattke & Delsinne, 2016: 142.

Type Material
Alfaria bufonis: Choapam, Oaxaca, Mexico. Cat. No. 29047 U. S. N. M. Described from a single worker taken from the stomach of a toad (Bufo valliceps Weig., U. S. N. M. 46967) collected by Nelson and Goldman, July 28, 1894. The type lacks the antennal funiculi and portions of the legs, but is otherwise in good condition, with the pilosity well preserved.