Simopone sicaria, Bolton & Fisher, 2012

Bolton, Barry & Fisher, Brian L., 2012, Taxonomy of the cerapachyine ant genera Simopone Forel, Vicinopone gen. n. and Tanipone gen. n. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) 3283, Zootaxa 3283 (1), pp. 1-101 : 62-64

Simopone sicaria Bolton & Fisher sp. n.

( Figs 67–69 )

WORKER (holotype in parentheses). HL 1.60–2.10 (1.92), HW 1.06–1.60 (1.42), SL 0.52–0.78 (0.70), EL 0.44– 0.60 (0.55), PW 0.84–1.23 (1.08), AIIW 0.82–1.18 (1.01), AIIL 0.86–1.16 (1.04), AIIIW 1.02–1.52 (1.28), AIIIL 1.04–1.44 (1.28), WL 1.90–2.60 (2.28), MFL 0.98–1.52 (1.44), CI 66–80 (74), SI 46–50 (49), EL/HW 0.36–0.42 (0.38), EP 1.20–1.56 (1.56), AIIW/AIIL 0.95–1.07 (0.97), AIIIW/AIIIL 0.98–1.12 (1.00) (10 measured).

In full-face view anteriormost points of frontal lobes are very slightly posterior to the level of the midpoint of the shallowly convex anterior clypeal margin. With head tilted slightly back from full-face view the clypeal margin in front of each antennal socket is rounded and prominent, but does not distinctly project farther forward than the midpoint of the anterior clypeal margin. Frontal carinae in full-face view diverging posteriorly and terminating at about the level of the anterior margins of the eyes. Eyes located behind the cephalic midlength (EP 1.20–1.56). Leading edge of scape with conspicuous projecting setae. In full-face view entire side of head with projecting long setae that are curved anteriorly. In profile entire dorsum of head and ventral surface with abundant curved standing setae. Cephalic dorsum between eyes with sparse foveolate punctures on a glossy surface. Anterior and dorsal surfaces of pronotum separated by a weak margination or very feeble carina. Propodeal dorsum meets declivity through a blunt angle, without a transverse carina. Promesonotal suture weakly impressed, sometimes with vestiges of minute ribs; metanotal groove very faint to absent but median pit conspicuous. Mesosoma in dorsal view narrowest across mesonotum (in holotype PW 1.08, width across mesonotum at its midlength 0.98, maximum width across propodeum 1.10). Dorsum of mesosoma with scattered punctures. Entire mesosoma dorsally with numerous standing setae. Dorsal (outer) surfaces of mesotibiae and metatibiae with standing setae present that are curved or inclined toward the apex. Dorsal surface of AII (petiole) meets anterior surface at an angle or a weak transverse carina. Posteriorly the dorsum of AII lacks a carina but a weak transverse impression is usually present above the foramen. In dorsal view the posterior corners of AII extend into projecting sharp angles or small triangular teeth that project laterally or posterolaterally. Lateral surface of AII, below the dorsolateral margin and above the level of the spiracle, without a longitudinal ridge or carina that extends the length of the sclerite. In dorsal view AII and AIII vary from slightly longer than broad to slightly broader than long; AIV is broader than long. Abdominal tergites AII to AIV with numerous setae that are directed posteriorly and are mostly suberect to subdecumbent. Curved setae numerous and distinct on sternites of AIII and AIV. Abdominal tergites AII to AVI sculptured only with sparse punctures. Full adult colour black, appendages blackish brown to black; clypeus usually dull reddish.

Holotype worker (top specimen of three on pin), Madagascar: 6.5 km SSW Befingotra, Res. Anjanaharibe- Sud, 14°45’S, 49°30’E, 875 m, 27.x.1994, BLF1136, CASENT0004545, ex rotten stick on ground, rainforest (B.L. Fisher) ( CASC).

Paratypes. 2 workers mounted on same pin below holotype; 9 workers (one crudely dissected) with same data as holotype but labelled only with BLF1136, CASENT0004545 ( CASC) .

Among the material available this is the most size-variable species of the silens complex; see notes under rex . Its closest relative appears to be dux , differences are noted there. Gary Alpert (MCZC) has observed S. sicaria raiding an arboreal nest of Terataner alluaudi ; the entire raid took less than 20 minutes. The Simopone workers moved rapidly among lower tree branches until they reached the Terataner nest in a twig, about 50 yards distant, which they entered. They emerged carrying the victim’s brood; captured adult Terataner were discarded and dropped to the ground.

Non-paratypic material examined. Madagascar: W Andampibe, Cap Masoala (G.D. Alpert); Marojejy R.N. I. (G.D. Alpert); SSW Befingotra, Res. Anjanaharibe-Sud (B.L. Fisher); Prov. Antsiranana, Betaolana forest (B.L. Fisher).

Figures

FIGURES 67–69. Lateral, full face and dorsal view of body. Simopone sicaria worker CASENT0004544.