Camponotus triodiae, McArthur, A. J., 2009

McArthur, A. J., 2009, New species, new status and new synonymy for Camponotus from Australia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)., Myrmecologische Nachrichten 12, pp. 273-286 : 284-285

Camponotus triodiae sp.n. (Figs. 14 - 18)

Type material examined: Holotype (SAMA): pinned minor worker "S.Aust.Uno Stn. 4.4Km NW Harris Bluff 32° 40'16''S 136° 43'08''E 11 Nov 2008 From burrow P Hudson & P Fennell". One major worker (paratype) from same nest mounted on same pin. Paratypes with same labels pinned in SAMA, ANIC and NHMW. SAMA has 10 specimens in alcohol.

Other material examined (in SAMA): South Australia: Gluepot 12.6 km W (33° 46' S, 139° 59' E), 6.XII. 2002, leg. Gluepot Survey; Gluepot 4.8 km NW (33° 44' S, 140° 05' E), 6.XII.2002, leg. Gluepot Survey; Lake Gilles (33° 01' S, 136° 36' E), 14.X.2007, leg. J.A.Forrest & D.Hirst; Munyaroo CP (33° 22' S, 137° 20' E), 1.XI.2007, leg. J.A.Forrest & D.Hirst.Victoria: Millewa (34° 01' S, 140° 58' E), 1.II.1981, leg A.L.Yen.

Worker description: Major worker. Mesosoma in profile: dorsum of pronotum mostly flat with feeble anterior-lateral margins, mesonotum flat anteriorly and posteriorly with a convexity between, metanotum about 0.2 mm long, bounded anteriorly and posteriorly by fine troughs, propo-deal dorsum straight short, propodeal angle well rounded about 135°, declivity long mostly straight with slight central angle, PD / D ~ 5; dorsum of mesosoma with <5 long erect reddish setae, short decumbent setae very sparse; integument on side of mesonotum and propodeum, reticulate, side of head smooth glossy. Petiolar node: anterior face feebly convex, posterior face straight, summit sharp. Tibiae without distinct short setae, with> 10 erect spines on posterior surface; scapes with distinct short setae raised to 30°. Head: underside in lateral view with 0 to 3 long erect setae; erect setae sparse in frontal view; sides feebly convex, strongly tapering anteriorly; vertex straight; FCW <HW / 3; maximum head width at about eye centres; clypeus anterior margin projecting, crenate with 135° corners, feebly concave between. Colour: mostly black, legs lighter. Minor worker. Mesosoma in profile: dorsum of prono-tum mostly flat with strong anterolateral margins, meso-notum convex, metanotum indistinct, propodeal dorsum straight and short, propodeal angle well rounded about 135°, declivity long mostly straight with a central 170° angle, PD / D ~ 4; dorsum of mesosoma with <5 long erect reddish setae, short decumbent setae very sparse; integument on side of mesonotum and propodeum, reticulate, side of head smooth glossy with indistinct striations. Petiolar node: anterior face convex, posterior face straight, summit sharp. Tibiae with indistinct short setae, with> 10 erect spines on posterior surface; scapes with distinct short setae raised to 30°. Head: underside in lateral view with 0 to 3 long erect setae; erect setae sparse in frontal view; sides straight, strongly tapering anteriorly; vertex straight; FCW <HW / 3; maximum head width posterior to eye centres; clypeus anterior margin projecting feebly crenate with 135° corners, mostly straight between. Colour: mostly black, legs lighter.

Morphometrics: See Fig. 15.

Comparative notes: Closely related to C.michael-seni Forel, 1907 from Western Australia, C.triodiae sp.n. is distinguished by its scapes having plentiful short setae raised up to about 30° whereas in C.michaelseni the scapes have indistinct short decumbent setae.

Distribution: See Fig. 16.

Biology: These ants have been found associated with bushes of Triodia species commonly known as spinifex in northern South Australia.The ant constructs a tube made from vegetation and red soil as shown in Figs. 17, 18.