Camponotus heidrunvogtae

The species was found in open xerothermous habitats which showed much surface coverage by rock or scree. Nests were also found at open, sunny spots within broad-leaved forest (Quercus, Carpinus, Fraxinus). Nest were under stones or in soil. According to Adi Vesnic, the species is more thermophilic than sympatrically occurring Camponotus piceus. This assessment on the microclimatic scale is in agreement with macroclimatic data.

Identification
This is the most easily identifiable species of the C. lateralis group. Its diagnostic characters are a combination of a very long scape, a narrow dorsal propodeal plane and a blackish head (see key). The major workers achieve a size larger than in any known species of the C. lateralis group.

Distribution
The species seems to be restricted to the W Balkans, with a known geographic range covering only 120 000 km². Most of the known sites are along the Dinaric coast and the western slope of Dinaric mountains and all are situated below 1000 m.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro.

Nomenclature

 *  heidrunvogtae. Camponotus heidrunvogtae Seifert, 2019: 29, figs. 17-22 (w.) BOSNIA.

Worker
Minor (data of 22 specimens): Larger than related species, CS 1140 ± 122 [979, 1427] μm. Head and scape relatively long, CL/CS 1.144 ± 0.021 [1.084, 1.170], SL/CS 1.113 ±0.051 [0.999, 1.167]. All surfaces of head, mesosoma and gaster with long erect setae. Extension of large scape diameter near to scape base strong, ScI 1.235 ± 0.041 [1.167, 1.341]. Dorsal plane of scape with occasional semi-erect or erect setae, nSc 0.9 ± 0.6 [0.5, 2.5]. Mesosoma rather narrow, MW/CS 0.759 ± 0.021 [0.707, 0.781]. Mesonotum and propodeum with, in terms of the Camponotus lateralis group, many semi-erect to erect setae, nMn 6.5 ± 1.3 [4.0, 8.5], nPr 7.4 ± 1.6 [5.5, 11.5]. Dorsal propodeal plane narrow, PrW/CS 0.252 ± 0.016 [0.229, 0.284], in lateral view moderately convex, its median part a little higher than at level of its lateral edges (a difference to Camponotus atricolor, Camponotus piceus and Camponotus dalmaticus). Metanotal groove moderately deep, MGr/ CS 0.056 ± 0.006 [0.045, 0.076]. Surface of head capsule and mesosoma moderately shining, with clinker-like microsculpture, appearing at smaller magnifications as microripples with reticular component. This microrelief is deeper on dorsal propodeum and flatter on gaster. Distance of micro-ripples on dorsal area of 1st gaster tergite relatively small, RipD 8.35 ± 0.46 [7.44, 9.15] μm. Head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster blackish, pronotum occasionally reddish on its lateral or entire surface. Coxae and femora usually dark brown. Mandibles, antennae, distal part of femora, metatarsae and tarsae usually light reddish brown.

Type Material

 * Holotype worker labeled ‘BOS: 43.5978°N,17.7272°E/ Jablanica, 210 m/ Carpinus-Fraxinus wood/ A. Vesnic 2013.08.22-54’ and ‘Holotype Camponotus heidrunvogtae Seifert’,.
 * 2 paratype workers from the same nest as holotype, labeled ‘BOS: 43.5978°N, 17.7272°E/ Jablanica, 210 m/ Carpinus-Fraxinus wood/ A. Vesnic 2013.08.22-54’ and ‘Paratypes Camponotus heidrunvogtae Seifert’,.
 * 3 paratype workers from another nest, labeled ‘BOS: 43.5978°N,17.7272°E/ Jablanica, 210 m/ Carpinus-Fraxinus wood/ A. Vesnic 2013.08.22-55’ and ‘Paratypes Camponotus heidrunvogtae Seifert’,.

Etymology
The species name is dedicated to Heidrun Vogt, the wife of Dieter Vogt who sponsored ant research in Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz and biodiversity research in general.