Camponotus nigriceps

Very large, widespread species that is common in the Darling Range. Nests in the Darling Range are often found in compacted laterite clay around the boles of trees, but are also made directly into soil. Their distribution likely includes all Australian states, although McArthur and Adams (1996) did not record it for the NT. (Heterick 2009)

Identification
Heterick (2009) - The distribution of erect and sub-erect setae on the propodeum distinguishes C. nigriceps from the similar Camponotus dryandrae; setae being continuous along the propodeal dorsum in C. nigriceps, and concentrated near the propodeal angle in C. dryandrae.

Camponotus clarior strongly resembles C. nigriceps, but the former have workers with a pale coloured head, concolorous with the mesosoma and node.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  nigriceps. Formica nigriceps Smith, F. 1858b: 38 (w.) AUSTRALIA. Mayr, 1876: 63 (m.); Forel, 1879a: 75 (q.m.); Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1974a: 61 (l.). Combination in Camponotus: Roger, 1863b: 4; in C. (Myrmoturba): Forel, 1913g: 191; in C. (Tanaemyrmex): Emery, 1925b: 103. Subspecies of consobrinus: Wheeler, W.M. 1933b: 23. Revived status as species: Clark, 1934c: 71. Senior synonym of perthianus: McArthur & Adams, 1996: 35.
 * perthianus. Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) consobrinus var. perthianus Wheeler, W.M. 1933b: 23 (s.w.) AUSTRALIA. [First available use of Camponotus (Myrmoturba) nigriceps r. dimidiatus var. perthiana Forel, 1915b: 97; unavailable name (Taylor, 1986: 34).] Subspecies of consobrinus: Clark, 1934c: 71. Junior synonym of nigriceps: McArthur & Adams, 1996: 35.

Description
Worker. Length 5.5 lines (=11 mm), pale ferruginous with the head black, the face anteriorly and the mandibles ferruginous. The clypeus slightly produced and widely emarginate, or rather notched in front, its extreme anterior margin black; the antennae ferruginous. Thorax rounded in front, and gradually narrowed and compressed towards the metathorax;the scale ovate, its margin rounded; the legs elongate. Abdomen ovate; the insect thinly sprinkled with erect ferruginous hairs. Hab. Australia.