Camponotus voeltzkowii Forel

Rakotonirina, Jean Claude, Csősz, Sándor & Fisher, Brian L., 2017, Taxonomic revision of the Malagasy Camponotus grandidieri and niveosetosus species groups (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) using qualitative and quantitative morphology, Zootaxa 4238 (2), pp. 203-245 : 239-242

Camponotus voeltzkowii Forel

( Figures 7 B, 18, 26)

Camponotus voeltzkowii Forel, 1894: 226 . Lectotype minor worker, present designation, Madagascar, Mahajanga (Voeltzkow), AntWeb CASENT0101376 ( MHNG) [examined] . Paralectotype minor worker, same data as lectotype but with specimen code CASENT0101377 ( MHNG) [examined]. [Combination in Camponotus (Myrmoturba) : Forel, 1914: 271. Combination in Camponotus (Myrmopiromis) : Wheeler, 1922a: 1052; Emery 1925: 129; Bolton, 1995: 129, 131].

Diagnosis. Integument black; posterior portion of head, dorsum of mesosoma, and lateral margin of propodeal declivity with randomly scattered, whitish, erect hairs; basal half of antennal scape flattened dorsoventrally; in lateral view, mesosoma short and high, propodeal dorsum shorter than declivitous face; few scattered erect hairs present immediately behind lateral margin of clypeus; dorsum of body with numerous, randomly scattered, long, erect hairs and abundant long pubescence; tibiae with sparse suberect hairs.

Description. Minor worker. In full-face view head slightly longer than wide (CWb/CL: 0.91±0.03, 0.87– 1.07), lateral borders straight and diverging posteriorly and joining the more or less posterior margin in a distinct angle. In lateral view, posterior cephalic margin extending backward into a rounded lobe. Eyes protruding, almost breaking lateral borders of head (CWb/CL: 0.91±0.03, 0.87–1.07; CW/CL: 0.89±0.03, 0.86–1.04), located at posterior sixth to fifth portion of head (PoOc/CL: 0.17±0.01, 0.15–0.23). With head in full-face view, clypeus trapezoidal; anteromedian margin projecting into a triangular lobe; anterolateral portion bluntly angulate; median portion convex, with visible longitudinal carina. Mandible triangular, apical margin equipped with six teeth. Antennal scape long, roughly distal portion extending beyond posterior margin of head (SL/CS: 1.10±0.05, 1.01– 1.19); basal portion cylindrical, not flattened dorsoventrally. In lateral view, mesosoma short and high (MPH/ML: 0.54±0.05, 0.46–0.71), dorsal outline of promesonotum domelike, its level higher than that of propodeum; anterodorsal portion of pronotum angulate; propodeal dorsum short, joining the sharply inclined propodeal declivity into a blunt angle; metanotal groove obsolete. Opening of propodeal spiracle circular or elongate to slitlike. In lateral view, petiolar node scalelike and high, petiolar spiracle located at level lower than midheight of node; anterior face starting to incline posteriorly at dorsal third portion of node to reach the straight posterior face dorsally. Middle and hind legs with single pectinate tibial spur. Transverse light strip on posterior margin of gastral tergites wide, maximum width roughly 1/8 the visible width of second tergite.

Head dorsum finely and densely reticulate punctate to finely areolate, becoming finely imbricate posteriorly; pronotum finely and densely reticulate punctate to finely imbricate, mesonotum and propodeum finely and densely reticulate rugulose. Lateral portion of head and mesosoma finely imbricate. Gastral tergites finely and transversely strigulate anteriorly and finely imbricate posteriorly. Mandible with coriarious ponctulate sculpture. Whitish erect hairs randomly scattered from median portion of head to near its posterior margin, where they spread transversally to near the lateral margin and down anteriorly to near base of mandible and behind lateral margin of clypeus. Head, pronotum, anterior section of mesonotum, and posterior section of gastral tergites covered with hairs thinner and more erect than posterior portion of mesonotum, propodeum, petiolar node, and first gastral tergite; tibiae covered with scattered suberect hairs. Pubescence long and quite dense, distance between them smaller than their length; pubescence more abundant on gaster than mesosoma and head.

Major worker. With characteristics of minor worker, but head subquadrate (CWb/CL: 0.97±0.02, 0.94–0.99) to cordate in full-face view, posterior cephalic margin slightly broadly excised. Eyes placed more interior relative to head capsule (CWb/CL: 0.97±0.02, 0.94–0.99; CW/CL: 0.84±0.01, 0.81–0.85). Mandibles more robust, masticatory margin with more than six teeth. Clypeus with elongate median portion (ClyL/GPD: 0.78±0.02, 0.73– 0.81), anteromedian margin straight to slightly broadly convex. Antennal scape short, barely extending beyond posterior cephalic border (SL/CS: 0.76±0.01, 0.75–0.79). Dorsal outline of mesosoma forming a continuous convexity; metanotal groove a slightly impressed line. Lateral portion of head finely and densely reticulate punctate to finely areolate, with scattered groups of two to seven areoles surrounding the base of an appressed or erect hair; each group of these areoles is sometimes embedded in a poorly defined puncture. Lateral portion of mesosoma finely areolate to finely imbricate.

Discussion. See discussion under C. mita .

For C. voeltzkowii , the conclusions drawn from qualitative morphology-based taxonomy agree with the classification hypothesis provided by the exploratory data analysis and the confirmatory technique of the multivariate morphometrics. The combination of this information strengthens the status of C. voeltzkowii as a species.

Distribution and biology. Camponotus voeltzkowii is one of the most common species within the niveosetosus species group of the Malagasy region. In Madagascar, it is widespread in the west but absent in the northernmost region. To the north, its geographic distribution is limited to montane rainforest of the northern highland. Along the western portion of the island, the distributional range of C. voeltzkowii consists of the dry forest on Tsingy, gallery forest, littoral forest habitats in the north to southwest, as well as spiny bush and thicket in the extreme south of the island. The species is also known to occur in Uapaca woodland of the central high plateau region, and in the northern-and southern-central portions of the island’s eastern rainforests. The species also can occupy anthropogenic habitats such as disturbed and degraded forests and urban gardens. Colony nests are found either on the forest floor under stones or in rotten logs, or in the dead branches or twigs of trees. Foraging activity is carried out on the ground and through leaf litter or on lower vegetation.

Camponotus voeltzkowii is sympatric with C. madagascarensis and C. grandidieri .

Additional material examined. MADAGASCAR: Madagascar ( MHNG) ; Province Antananarivo: Analamanga Region, District of Ankazobe , Ambohitantely , 46 km NE of Ankazobe, -18.198, 47.2815, 701 m, sclerophyll forest, (Rin'ha, Mike) ( CASC) ; Province Fianarantsoa: Fitovavy Fitovinany Region, District of Ifanadiana , 12 km W of Ranomafana, -21.25083, 47.40717, 1127 m, forest edge, open area, (Rin'ha, Mike) ( CASC) ; Parc National d'Isalo, Ambovo Springs , 29.3 km 4° N Ranohira, -22.29833, 45.35167, 990 m, Uapaca woodland, (Fisher, Griswold et al.) ( CASC) ; Parc National d'Isalo, Sahanafa River , 29.2 km 351° N Ranohira, - 22.31333, 45.29167, 500 m, gallery forest, (Fisher, Griswold et al.) ( CASC) ; radio tower, Ranomafana National Park , Fianarantsoa Prov., -21.25083, 47.40717, 1130 m, forest edge, mixed tropical forest, open area, (M. Irwin, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; stream area, 900 m E of Isalo National Park Interpretive Center , Fianarantsoa Prov., - 22.62667, 45.35817, 750 m, open area near stream, (R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Province Mahajanga: [Majanga] ( MHNG) ; Ambolomaiky , 48.1 km SE Mahajanga, -15.8541, 46.74663, 77 m, disturbed dry forest, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Ampijoroa National Park , 160 km N Maevatanana, Mahajanga Prov., deciduous forest, -16.31944, 46.81333, 43 m, deciduous forest, (M. Irwin, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Boeny Region, District of Soalala , Beaboaly Bamboo forest , 10 km SW of Soalala, 4 km from Baly village , -16.04533, 48.804, 9 m, bamboo forest, (M. Irwin, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Boeny Region, District of Marovoay , Ampijoroa National Park , 160 km N of Maevatanana on RN 0 4, -16.31933, 46.81333, 42 m, deciduous forest, (M. Irwin, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Boeny Region, District of Soalala Analamanitra forest , 14 km SW of Mitsinjo, -16.7, 45.7, 19 m, dense dry forest, (M. Irwin, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Forêt de Tsimembo , 8.7 km 336° NNW Soatana, -19.02139, 44.44067, 20 m, tropical dry forest, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Parc National Tsingy de Bemaraha, 2.5 km 62° ENE Bekopaka, Ankidrodroa River , -19.13222, 44.81467, 100 m, tropical dry forest on Tsingy, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Parc National Tsingy de Bemaraha, 3.4 km 93° E Bekopaka, Tombeau Vazimba , - 19.14194, 44.828, 50 m, tropical dry forest, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Region Sofia, Bemanevika , -14.337, 48.58874, 1606 m, montane rainforest, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Réserve forestière Beanka , 50.7 km E Maintirano, -17.88021, 44.46877, 140 m, tropical dry forest on tsingy, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Sofia Region, District of Sofia , Anjiamangirana 45 km S Antsohihy, Analagnambe galleryforest, 5 km W Anjiamangirana, -15.157, 47.73417, 97 m, low degraded dry forest, (M. Irwin, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Station Forestiere Ampijoroa , -16.31667, 46.81667, 80 m, tropical dry forest, (P.S. Ward) ( PSWC) ; Province Toamasina: Parc National de Zahamena, Tetezambatana forest, near junction of Nosivola and Manakambahiny Rivers , - 17.74298, 48.72936, 860 m, rainforest, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Province Toliara: [ Fort Dauphin ; Museum Paris Collection, Ernest André 1914] ( MNHN) ; 18.4 km N Amboasary , -24.87367, 46.39767, 85 m, spiny forest/ thicket, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; 2 km SW Mahamavo, Rés.Andohahela , -24.78333, 46.7, 320 m, tropical dry forest, (P.S. Ward) ( PSWC) ; 45 km NE Morondava , -20.05, 44.61667, 30 m, tropical dry forest, (P.S. Ward) ( PSWC) ; 55 km NE Morondava , -19.9, 44.6, 25 m, tropical dry forest, (P.S. Ward) ( PSWC) ; Ambohimahavelona village 33 km NE of Tulear, Andoharano dry forest, -23.44083, 43.89967, 46 m, dry forest, (M. Irwin, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Androy Region, District of Tsihombe , 74 km S of Tsihombe, Cap Ste Marie Reserve , - 25.58767, 45.163, 36 m, spiny bush, (Rin'ha, Mike) ( CASC) ; Anosy Region, District of Amboasary , 58 km SW of Fort Dauphin, 8 km NW of Amboasary, Berenty Special Reserve , -25.00667, 46.30333, 85 m, galleryforest, (Rin'ha, Mike) ( CASC) ; Anosy Region, District of Amboasary , Andohaela National Park Parcelle III, Ihazofotsy , 32 km NE Amboasary, -24.83083, 46.53617, 58 m, dry forest, spiny forest, (M.E. Irwin, F.D. Parker, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Anosy Region, District of Amboasary , 58 km SW of Fort Dauphin, 8 km NW of Amboasary, Berenty Special Reserve , -25.021, 46.3055, 36 m, spiny forest, (Rin'ha, Mike) ( CASC) ; Anosy Region, District of Fort-Dauphin , Andohaela National Park Parcelle II, Tsimela , 42 km W of Fort-Dauphin, -24.93683, 46.62667, 177 m, transition forest, (M.E. Irwin, F.D. Parker, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Anosy Region, Parc National d'Andohahela, Forêt de Manatalinjo , -24.82505, 46.57811, 90 m, spiny forest/thicket, (B.L. Fisher, F.A. Esteves et al.) ( CASC) ; Anosy Region, Parc National d'Andohahela, Forêt de Manatalinjo , -24.82466, 46.60111, 100 m, spiny forest/ thicket, (B.L. Fisher, F.A. Esteves et al.) ( CASC) ; Berenty Reserve , -24.98333, 46.3, 30 m, gallery forest, (D.M. Olson) ( PSWC) . , Berenty Special Reserve, 8 km NW Amboasary, 58 km SW of Fort Dauphin, Tulear Province , - 25.00667, 46.30333, 85 m, gallery forest, (M.E. Irwin, F.D. Parker, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Ejeda , -24.3505, 44.516, 250 m, urban/garden, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Forêt de Kirindy , 15.5 km 64° ENE Marofandilia, - 20.06915, 44.66041667, 30 m, tropical dry forest, (B.L. Fisher) ( CASC) ; Forêt de Kirindy , 15.5 km 64° ENE Marofandilia, -20.045, 44.66222, 100 m, tropical dry forest, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Forêt de Kirindy , 15.5 km 64° ENE Marofandilia, -20.045, 44.66222, 100 m, tropical dry forest, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Forêt de Mahavelo, Isantoria River , -24.75833, 46.15717, 110 m, spiny forest/thicket, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Forêt de Mahavelo, Isantoria River , 5.5 km 37° NE Ifotaka, - 24.75361, 46.1515, 115 m, spiny forest/thicket, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Forêt de Mite , 20.7 km 29° WNW Tongobory, -23.52417, 44.12133, 75 m, gallery forest, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Forêt Vohidava 88.9 km N Amboasary, -24.24067, 46.28783, 500 m, spiny forest/dry forest transition, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Forêt Vohidava 89.2 km N Amboasary, -24.239, 46.28233, 850 m, tropical dry forest, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Forêt Vohidava 89.2 km N Amboasary, -24.239, 46.28233, 850 m, tropical dry forest, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Forêt Vohidava 89.6 km N Amboasary, -24.23333, 46.30167, 230 m, spiny forest/thicket, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Ihazofotsy - Parcel III, Andohahela National Park, transition forest, Tulear Province , - 24.83483, 46.48683, 80 m, transition between spiny and dry deciduous forests, (M.E. Irwin, F.D. Parker, R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Kirindy , 47.3 km NE Morondava, -20.07125, 44.6655, 60 m, tropical dry forest, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Makay Mts. , -21.227, 45.33222, 475 m, gallery forest on sandy soil, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Makay Mts. , -21.21985, 45.32396, 500 m, gallery forest on sandy soil, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Makay Mts. , - 21.23343, 45.32913, 460 m, gallery forest with bamboo, (B.L. Fisher et al.) ( CASC) ; Manombo , -22.80707, 43.76375, 222 m, gallery forest, TS1, (Frontier Wilderness Project) ( CASC) ; Menabe Region, District of Morondava , Beroboka village 45 km NE of Morondava, Antsarongaza , dry forest 7.5 km E of Beroboka, -19.9775, 44.66633, 50 m, dry forest, (Michael Irwin, Rin'ha) ( CASC) ; Menabe Region, District of Morondava , Beroboka village , 45km NE of Morondava, Antsarongaza , gallery forest, 7 km E of Beroboka, -19.9775, 44.66533, 45 m, gallery forest, (Michael Irwin, Rin'ha) ( CASC) ; Parc National d'Andohahela, Forêt d'Ambohibory , 1.7 km 61° ENE Tsimelahy, 36.1 km 308° NW Tolagnaro, -24.93, 46.6455, 300 m, tropical dry forest, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Parc National d'Andohahela, Forêt de Manatalinjo , 33.6 km 63° ENE Amboasary, 7.6 km 99° E Hazofotsy, -24.81694, 46.61, 150 m, spiny forest/thicket, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Parc National de Kirindy Mite , 16.3 km 127° SE Belo sur Mer, -20.79528, 44.147, 80 m, tropical dry forest, (Fisher- Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa, Forêt de Bemanateza , 20.7 km 81° E Efoetse, 23.0 km 131° SE Beheloka, -23.99222, 43.88067, 90 m, spiny forest/thicket, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; Parcel I, Beza Mahafaly Reserve, near research station, Tulear Province , -23.6865, 44.591, 165 m, dry deciduous forest, (R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Parcel II, Beza Mahafaly Reserve, near Bellevue, Tulear Province , - 23.68983, 44.5755, 180 m, spiny forest, (R. Harin'Hala) ( CASC) ; Res. Beza Mahafaly, Parcel 1, -23.65, 44.63333, 130 m, tropical dry forest, (P.S. Ward) ( PSWC) ; Rés. Beza Mahafaly, Parcel 2, -23.68333, 44.56667, 200 m, spiny forest/thicket, (P.S. Ward) ( PSWC) ; Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt d'Anjapolo , 21.4 km 325° NW Amboasary, - 24.92972, 46.20967, 65 m, spiny forest/thicket, (Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team) ( CASC) ; southern Isoky- Vohimena Forest , 59 km NE Sakaraha, -22.46667, 44.85, 730 m, tropical dry forest, (B.L. Fisher) ( CASC) .

Figures

FIGURE 7. Head in full-face view. A: C. mita (CASENT 0498906). B: C. voeltzkowii (CASENT 0121619).