Camponotus mina

Mackay and Mackay (2002) - An inhabitant of mesquite dominated desert. This species was present in the Chihuahuan Desert from at least 40,000 years ago until nearly recent time (Mackay and Elias, 1992). Specimens often nest in mesquite shrubs (Prosopis glandulosa).

Identification
The major of this species can be recognized as it has abundant erect hairs on most surfaces, nearly all with blunt tips, some are nearly spatulate, these hairs cover the head, several similar hairs are found on the scapes, longer erect hairs are present on the mesosoma, as well as on the gaster. The appressed pubescence is sparse. The anterior border of the clypeus is concave, the ant is black with reddish-brown or brown mandibles, antennae, and the tibiae. The minor is similar, except the hairs are finer. The region posterior to the eye and the pronotal shoulder are swollen. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
United States. Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. Mexico. Baja California, Chihuahua, Sonora.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Nomenclature

 *  mina. Camponotus mina Forel, 1879a: 83 (s.) MEXICO. Creighton, 1965b: 6 (w.q.m.). Combination in C. (Myrmobrachys): Forel, 1914a: 270. Subspecies of senex: Emery, 1896d: 377. Revived status as species: Wheeler, W.M. 1910d: 346. Senior synonym of erythropus: Emery, 1895c: 336; of zuni: Creighton, 1965b: 3.
 * erythropus. Camponotus erythropus Pergande, 1893: 28 (s.w.) MEXICO. Junior synonym of mina: Emery, 1895c: 336.
 * zuni. Camponotus mina subsp. zuni Wheeler, W.M. 1910d: 346 (s.w.) U.S.A. Combination in C. (Myrmobrachys): Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 562. Junior synonym of mina: Creighton, 1965b: 5.