Simopone fera

Identification
Key to Malagasy Simopone Species

A member of the emeryi species group.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Nomenclature

 *  fera. Simopone fera Bolton & Fisher, 2012: 52, figs. 49-51 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
(holotype in parentheses). HL 1.38–1.72 (1.72), HW 0.81–1.10 (1.10), SL 0.36–0.48 (0.48), EL 0.36–0.44 (0.44), PW 0.64–0.86 (0.86), AIIW 0.62–0.84 (0.84), AIIL 0.68–0.86 (0.86), AIIIW 0.76–1.02 (1.02), AIIIL 0.86–1.00 (1.00), WL 1.34–1.70 (1.70), MFL 0.66–0.86 (0.86), CI 59–66 (64), SI 40–44 (44), EL/HW 0.40–0.44 (0.40), EP 0.87–1.00 (0.93), AIIW/AIIL 0.91–0.99 (0.98), AIIIW/AIIIL 0.97–1.05 (1.02) (7 measured).

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. Anterior clypeal margin between these lobes transverse or nearly so, without a convex median tumulus. Eyes located at or just in front of cephalic midlength (EP 0.87–1.00). 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 present on ventral surface of head. Cephalic dorsum between eyes punctate, spaces between punctures with very weak, superficial punctulate-striolate ground sculpture. Behind the level of the eyes the ground sculpture fades out posteriorly. In dorsal view the pronotum with a transverse carina anteriorly. Propodeal dorsum meets declivity through a narrowly rounded angle, without a sharp carina. Promesonotal suture distinct, evenly shallowly convex medially; metanotal groove almost effaced but median pit present. Mesosoma in dorsal view with mesonotum fractionally narrower than propodeum. Density of punctate sculpture on pronotal dorsum about the same as on mesonotal dorsum. Entire dorsum of mesosoma without setae, even the humeral setae absent. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of mesotibiae and metatibiae without projecting setae, or at most with one, very close to the apex. 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, at most with an inconspicuous low ridge above the foramen. In dorsal view the posterior corners of AII are narrowly rounded and project very slightly posteriorly. In dorsal view AII slightly longer than broad; AIII usually very slightly broader than long but in smallest specimens very slightly longer than broad. Dorsal surfaces of abdominal tergites AII to AIV without setae; sternites of AIII and AIV with a few setae at their posterior margins. Abdominal tergites AII to AIV sculptured only with small punctures. Sternite of AIII with pubescence so sparse as to be almost absent, the surface of the sclerite glossy. Full adult colour black; appendages and clypeus slightly lighter.

Type Material
Holotype worker, Madagascar: Prov. Antsiranana, Forêt Binara, 7.5 km 230° SW Daraina, 375 m, 13°15.3’S, 49°37.0’E, 1-4.xii.2003, BLF9639, CASENT0496983, tropic. dry forest, ex dead twig (B.L. Fisher). Paratypes. 3 workers with same data as holotype but CASENT0496984; 3 workers with same data but CASENT0496985 (CASC).