Camponotus sphenocephalus

Collected in moist tropical forest at Rio Tambopata Reserve.

Identification
A member of the subgenus Myrmostenus.

Mackay (1997) - This species has a strongly and densely punctate head, a strongly convex clypeus with well-developed median carina, with numerous erect, coarse hairs on the underside of the head. The head is strongly narrowed posteriorly, with a rounded vertex. It is not closely related to any of the other known species, but is most similar to Camponotus longipilis and Camponotus postangulatus.

This species can be easily separated from all others as the head, including the clypeus, is strongly sculptured. The head is strongly narrowed posteriorly, similar to that found in Camponotus leptocephalus. It would not be confused with C. leptocephalus, which has abundant erect hairs on the top and bottom of the head, C. sphenocephalus has only a few, scattered hairs on these surfaces. This species is related to C. longipilis, but can be easily separated by the sculpture of the clypeus and the shape of the head.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Peru.

Nomenclature

 *  sphenocephalus. Camponotus sphenocephalus Emery, 1911a: 225 (q.) PERU. Combination in C. (Myrmamblys): Forel, 1914a: 272; in C. (Myrmostenus): Emery, 1920b: 260. See also: Mackay, 1997: 202.

Queen
Mackay (1997) - HL 3.51-3.66, HW 1.78-1.96, SL 2.86-3.06, EL 0.78-0.81, clypeal length 1.34-1.36, clypeal width 0.93-0.95. Indices: SI 80-84, CI 51-54, clypeal index 68-70.

Mandible with 6 teeth; clypeus strongly convex with well-defined carina; anterior clypeal border concave; scape extending past posterior border of head; head widened anteriorly and strongly narrowed posteriorly; vertex convex; maxillary and labial palps, mesosoma, petiole and gaster similar to that of Camponotus longipilis.

Hairs erect, coarse and scattered on head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster; decumbent pubescence short and dilute on most surfaces.

Sculpture more coarse than other species, head strongly and densely punctuate, including surface of clypeus; mesosoma and gaster with much weaker sculpture than head, similar to other species except for Camponotus mirabilis.

Color medium to dark brown, head, mandibles and scapes dark brown, gaster with slightly lighter splotches in same positions as in Camponotus mirabilis.

Type Material
Mackay (1997) - Holotype queen, Pachitea, Peru, Stdg; sphenocephalus Emery [seen].