Camponotus christmasensis

Nothing is known about the biology of .

Identification
McArthur (2008) - A member of the C. claripes group (McArthur 2007a), a close relative of Camponotus minimus. Both lack erect setae on the underside of the head and have wide frontal carinae. Compared with C. claripes minimus, the integument of this species is more finely and sharply striate. Compared with Camponotus fraseri it lacks short sloping distinctive setae on the scapes.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  christmasensis. Camponotus christmasensis McArthur, 2008: 115, figs. (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
Major. Measurements: HL = 0.77; HW + 0.50 (R2 = 0.99, n = 17); PW = 0.50; HW + 0.37 (R2 = 0.96, n = 17); CW = 0.28; HW + 0.10 (R2 = 0.98 n = 17).

Mesosoma: dorsum of pronotum, mesonotum and propodeum feebly convex, angle well rounded about 135°, declivity concave, ratio propodeal dorsum / declivity about 1; dorsum of mesosoma with a few long erect setae mostly near angle, short flat-lying setae sparse; integument on side of mesonotum and propodeum, reticulate, glossy. Node: anterior mostly straight then convex above, posterior straight, summit rounded. Appendages: tibiae without distinct short setae, with rows of about 6 spines on inside surface; scapes with short flat-lying indistinct setae spaced slightly > their length, more distinct apically. Head: underside in lateral view without pilosity; erect setae sparse in front view; sides convex, tapering to the front; vertex weakly concave; frontal carinae width near HW/3; maximum head width occurs at about eye centres; clypeus anterior margin narrow, projecting with 135° corners, with a notch in the centre. Colour: dark brown, head and limbs lighter.

Minor. Mesosoma: Dorsum of pronotum feebly convex; mesonotum feebly convex, sloping down in front; propodeum nearly straight; angle well rounded about 135°; declivity nearly straight, ratio propodeal dorsum / declivity about 2.5; dorsum of mesosoma with a few long erect setae, mostly near angle and plentiful short curved flat-lying setae; integument on side of mesonotum and propodeum finely and sharply striate, glossy. Node: anterior and posterior surfaces mostly straight parallel; summit rounded. Appendages: tibiae with distinct short setae flat-lying spaced > setae length, with a few spines on inside surface; scapes with short flat-lying indistinct setae. Head: underside in lateral view without erect pilosity; erect setae sparse in front view; sides nearly straight tapering to the front; vertex straight; frontal carinae width about HW/3; maximum head width occurs at about eye centres; clypeus anterior strongly projecting with 135° corners, crenulate between. Colour: dark brown, head and limbs lighter.

Etymology
Named after Christmas Rocks, a prominent granite outcrop in the southeast of South Australia, where this ant is found.