Simopone grandis Santschi
  Type location Zaïre
(Simopone grandis n. sp.,
Santschi, 1923e: 259, illustrated, worker; see Brown, 1975, and Bolton
1995 [wrongly given as 1923d]) from Kunungu, collected by Dr
Schouteden, 2.iv.1921 - see below  .
|
 Santschi's
(1923e) description is at  .
Shows characteristics in common with Cerapachys
and may be grounds for suggesting the separation of the two genera is
not justified (Brown, 1975).
Brown (1975, illustrated, adapted right) gave
descriptive notes -
WORKER large; (dimensions of Banga specimen, see below) HL 1.97 mm, HW
across eyes 1.72, behind eyes 1.74; Head like relatively unspecialised Cerapachys-like
form rather than like most Simopone. Perhaps representing a
rather primitive Simopone stock. Palp formula 6,4; antennae
11-segmented, apical segment slightly narrower than penultimate and a
little less than three times as long; no distinct club. Eyes also set
further back and more convex; 3 ocelli present. Also has a laterally
marginate petiole; sides concave from top to bottom. Middle legs
without a distinct tibial spur; hind legs each with a single large
pectinate spur; with opposite long elliptical groove on flexor surface.
Colour predominantly black, mandibles and antennae ferrugineous
Brown (1975) noted that J C Bequaert (label data) took this species
from a palm trunk in a swampy forest at Banga, Zaïre, 25 October 1926.
|
The
photomontage is collated from