Camponotus benguetensis

Only known from the type locality in northern Luzon. Most likely restricted to the Philippines.

Identification
Minor worker: Black species with orange scape and first funicular segment. Long white standing setae abundant all over dorsum. Clypeus basally almost straight. Flagellum of normal length. Pronotum with distinct sculpture, but somewhat shiny. Dorsal outline of mesonotum and propodeum slightly convex, propodeum rather abruptly downcurved. Petiolar node high and narrow in lateral aspect.

Major worker: Colour as in minor, except anterior part of head and mandibles medium to light brown. Head with scattered medium-sized punctures, denser on genae and clypeus. Clypeus with 6–8 groove-like punctures, base with deep medial impression.

This species is very similar to Camponotus paracolobopsis. The major workers are well separable by structure and sculpture of genae and clypeus (see key and Figs. 53 and 61), whereas the differentiating characters for minors are more subtle: In Camponotus benguetensis, the basal margin of the clypeus is straighter, the propodeum more abruptly downcurved, and the apex of the petiole less acute than in C. paracolobopsis. Differences in the colour of the antenna (see key) are not very reliable due to considerable variation in both species.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Indo-Australian Region: Philippines.

Nomenclature

 *  benguetensis. Camponotus (Myrmamblys) benguetensis Zettel & Balàka, 2018: 165, figs. 57-63 (w.) PHILIPPINES.

Type Material

 * Holotype (minor worker #1799; NHMW) from the Philippines, Luzon, Benguet, W Baguio, Asin Hot Springs, 17.II.1999, leg. S. Schödl.
 * Paratypes (NHMW, CZW, NMNH): 4 minor workers (#85, 1796–1798), 2 major worker (#86, 240), same label data; 5 minor workers (#1800–1804), 2 major workers (#1805, 1806), from Benguet, W Baguio, Asin Road-km 7, 17.II.1999, leg. H. Zettel.