Colobopsis papago

This species nests in dead limbs of oaks (Quercus emoryi, Q. oblongifolia), or mesquites, and are difficult to find. They are most common in the stubs of broken branches, with a diameter of 4 cms or more, and point vertically (apparently catch more rainwater). The nest has several entrances, which are blocked by the large, round, truncated portion of the heads of majors (see figure in Creighton, 1967). They move to allow the minors to exit and enter the nest. Creighton (1967) wrote one of the most interesting articles ever written on ants for a general audience, and is well worth reading. When the majors are disturbed, they exude a sticky, gray fluid from the region of the mouth (probably mandibular glands?), which spreads over the truncated portion of the head. It dries to a crust, which is difficult to remove. Mating flights occur throughout July, during the first half of the rainy season. Workers apparently forage at night, as they are not found on during the day on trees which contain nests. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
Recognizable by the truncate anterior part of the head of the major, which is nearly perpendicular to the long axis of the head as seen from the side. C. papago nests in dead branches. The minors can be difficult to separate from similar species (Camponotus ulcerosus). The metanotal suture is depressed in C. papago but is not in C. ulcerosus. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
United States, southern and southeastern AZ. Mexico, Sonora.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Habitat
Oak and mesquite forests.

Nomenclature

 *  papago. Camponotus (Colobopsis) papago Creighton, 1953c: 153, figs. 1, 2; pl. 13, figs. 1-3 (s.w.q.m.) U.S.A.

Etymology
Named for the Papago people. Creighton found these ants while working on what was then the Papago Indian Reservation at Sells, Arizona. The Papago are today known as the Tohono O'odham, and the reservation is the Tohono O'odham Nation.