Camponotus extensus

Identification
McArthur and Leys (2006) - Camponotus maculatus group species share the following distinguishing characters: 1. The most striking character is the distinct occipital carina in minor workers (see the dorsal head view of the minor worker in the caste images of Camponotus crozieri). This forms a ridge externally and probably serves to strengthen the anterior parts of the head (Snodgrass 1935), it is absent in major workers. 2. Strong dimorphism, i.e., workers encountered are mostly either major or minor, medium workers are non existent or very scarce. 3. The sides of the heads of major workers taper strongly to the front (Fig. 2) while in minor workers, the sides are mostly parallel and taper to the rear. 4. The vertex in major workers is concave or flat, in minor workers it is convex. 5. The scape and tibiae have plentiful short setae, raised up, more so in Australian than in African species. 6. Biology: (a) mostly nocturnal, (b) nests are at honey bait, (e) quickly scatter when disturbed by torch light.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  extensus. Camponotus extensus Mayr, 1876: 65 (s.w.) AUSTRALIA. Combination in C. (Myrmoturba): Forel, 1914a: 267; in C. (Tanaemyrmex): Emery, 1925b: 90. Subspecies of sexguttatus: Forel, 1879a: 73. Revived status as species: Dalla Torre, 1893: 230; Emery, 1894f: 3; Emery, 1896d: 371; Emery, 1920b: 255.

Description
Worker Length, 7-9 mm. Dusky, head and gaster dusky black; with head scarcely hairy but the gaster has moderate erect pilosity, most dispersed and adpressed pubescence, tibias with 4 posterior hairs short and obliquely erect: glossy, finly coriaceous with fine transverse striations. The head in the major worker especially the anterior rather punctate coriaceous: the clypeus is keeled, moderately produced in front and emarginate on both sides; thorax elongate, pronotum convex, mesonotum and basal part of the metanotum (= propodfeum), angle straight: petiole with an ovate node; limbs are moderately long and slender.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Emery C. 1894. Camponotus sexguttatus Fab. e C. sexguttatus Sm. et auct. Bollettino dei Musei di Zoologia ed Anatomia Comparata della Reale Università di Torino 9(187): 1-4.