Camponotus triodiae

These ants have been found associated with bushes of Triodia species commonly known as spinifex in northern South Australia. The ant constructs a tube made from vegetation and red soil. (McArthur 2009)

Identification
McArthur (2009) - Closely related to Camponotus michaelseni from Western Australia, C. triodiae is distinguished by its scapes having plentiful short setae raised up to about 30° whereas in C. michaelseni the scapes have indistinct short decumbent setae.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  triodiae. Camponotus triodiae McArthur, 2009: 284, figs. 14-18 (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
HL =0.72 * HW + 0.74 (R2 = 0.98, n = 10), PW = 0.34 * HW + 0.92 (R2 = 0.93, n = 10), FCW = 0.22 * HW + 0.14 (R2 = 0.98, n = 10).

Major worker. Mesosoma in pro-file: dorsum of pronotum mostly flat with feeble anterior-lateral margins, mesonotum flat anteriorly and posteriorly with a convexity between, metanotum about 0.2 mm long, bounded anteriorly and posteriorly by fine troughs, propodeal dorsum straight short, propodeal angle well rounded about 135°, declivity long mostly straight with slight central angle, PD / D ~ 5; dorsum of mesosoma with < 5 long erect reddish setae, short decumbent setae very sparse; in-tegument on side of mesonotum and propodeum, reticulate, side of head smooth glossy. Petiolar node: anterior face feebly convex, posterior face straight, summit sharp. Tibiae without distinct short setae, with > 10 erect spines on posterior surface; scapes with distinct short setae raised to 30°. Head: underside in lateral view with 0 to 3 long erect setae; erect setae sparse in frontal view; sides feebly convex, strongly tapering anteriorly; vertex straight; FCW < HW / 3; maximum head width at about eye centres; clypeus anterior margin projecting, crenate with 135° corners, feebly concave between. Colour: mostly black, legs lighter. Minor worker. Mesosoma in profile: dorsum of pronotum mostly flat with strong anterolateral margins, mesonotum convex, metanotum indistinct, propodeal dorsum straight and short, propodeal angle well rounded about 135°, declivity long mostly straight with a central 170° angle, PD / D ~ 4; dorsum of mesosoma with < 5 long erect reddish setae, short decumbent setae very sparse; integument on side of mesonotum and propodeum, reticulate, side of head smooth glossy with indistinct striations. Petiolar node: anterior face convex, posterior face straight, summit sharp. Tibiae with indistinct short setae, with > 10 erect spines on posterior surface; scapes with distinct short setae raised to 30°. Head: underside in lateral view with 0 to 3 long erect setae; erect setae sparse in frontal view; sides straight, strongly tapering anteriorly; vertex straight; FCW < HW / 3; maximum head width posterior to eye centres; clypeus anterior margin projecting feebly crenate with 135° corners, mostly straight between. Colour: mostly black, legs lighter.

Type Material
Holotype : pinned minor worker “S. Aust. Uno Stn. 4.4Km NW Harris Bluff 32° 40'16S 136° 43'08E 11 Nov 2008 From burrow P Hudson & P Fennell”. One major worker (paratype) from same nest mounted on same pin. Paratypes with same labels pinned in SAMA, and. SAMA has 10 specimens in alcohol.