Camponotus fergusoni

McArthur (2003) - Minor workers observed leaving and returning to nest during the day. The heads of major workers were sometimes observed blocking a nest entrance in heavy soil (G. Weber pers. comm. 2003).

Identification
McArthur (2003) - Similar to Camponotus chalceus. Minor workers distinguished by a covering of very fine dense white pubescence covering the reticulate integument whereas in C. chalceus pubescence is sparse, integument finely punctate; both mostly black, mesosoma usually with some red; propodeal dorsum concave.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  fergusoni. Camponotus fergusoni McArthur, 2003: 7, figs. 2, 3, 12 (s.w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
Major worker. Head sides straight, weakly tapering to the front, vertex straight; clypeus with a few fine long setae, without pubescence; weakly projecting forward, anterior margin evenly concave; metanotum a distinct furrow; node parallel front and back, summit blunt; propodeal spiracle elongated; mesosoma and node covered with white fine short adpressed pubescence.

Minor worker. Head sides straight, tapering to the front, vertex convex; clypeus anterior margin median section wide, nearly straight, projecting forward, dense pubescence nearly hiding the integument; pronotum, mesonotum and half propodeum form an even convexity; node with a long flatly convex summit.

Etymology
Named after Ferguson Conservation Park, South Australia.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * McArthur A.J. 2003. New species of Camponotus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Australia. Trans. R. Soc. S. Aust. 127(1): 5-14.