Lioponera huode

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: Taiwan.

Nomenclature

 *  huode. Simopone huode Terayama, 2009: 122, figs. 121, 122 (q.) TAIWAN. Combination in Cerapachys: Bolton & Fisher, 2012: 72.

Bolton and Fisher (2012) report: Although described as a Simopone species, and reportedly having 11 antennomeres, huode is radically different from any other species examined in this study. We are convinced that this species is not correctly placed in Simopone. From the original description and drawings, and the rather poor photographs of the holotype available at www.niaes.affrc.go.jp, there appear to be 12 antennal segments, the scape is far too long and the eyes are too far forward (although the two eyes are at different levels in the drawing). In addition, the frontal carinae are close together, truncated posteriorly and terminate immediately behind the frontal lobes, as is usually seen in Cerapachys but never in Simopone. The antennal sockets appear almost entirely exposed, the posterior margin of the head and its corners are too rounded, an occipital surface is present, AII (petiole) is not laterally marginate, and the prora appears to have the wrong shape. In the illustrations it is impossible to see the condition of the mesotibial spurs (stated as absent in the description but may have been abraded away or overlooked in the poorly mounted specimen) or whether the pretarsal claws are toothed. Finally, the presence of a metabasitarsal glandular groove is not recorded. Until the holotype can be critically re-examined this species should be regarded as a member of genus Cerapachys (sensu lato).