Camponotus crozieri

A member of the Camponotus maculatus group. Members of this group share the following biological attributes: (a) mostly nocturnal, (b) nests are in clay soil, never in sand, (c) entrances to nests are well hidden, (c) strong attraction to honey bait at night, (d) domination. (McArthur and Leys 2006)

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 below). 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.

Biology
The phylogeography of a group of Pacific Island Camponotus species, which included a number of species groups, was broadly examined by Clouse et al. (2015). They found Camponotus crozieri is a member of a clade (Clade V) that originated in the Australian wet tropics and has become much more widespread and specieous.

Worker
minor

Nomenclature

 *  crozieri. Camponotus crozieri McArthur & Leys, 2006: 107, fig. 12 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
HW 1.0-2.7; HL 1.6-2.9; PW 1.0-1.6; (n = 10). Mesosoma elongate with a distinct but well rounded propodeal angle; brown; tibiae and scapes with distinct setae raised up to 30°, a few scattered long setae overall including under head. Major worker. Head sides posterior half parallel, anterior half tapering to front; anterior margin of clypeus, strongly projecting with square corners, feebly concave between; node summit blunt.

Minor. Head sides tapering to the rear, occipital carinae distinct; anterior margin of clypeus, strongly projecting with square corners, wide, straight; ratio propodeal dorsum / declivity about 3.

Etymology
This ant is named in recognition of Ross Crozier's contribution to Myrmecology.