Camponotus novaeboracensis

A woodland species that nests in rotten logs and stumps.

Identification
This is a large, attractive, red and black species. The majors, minors and females have a black head and gaster, and a red mesosoma. The punctures on the head are 2 sizes, most are very fine, larger punctures are scattered over the surface of the head. The lateral clypeal angles are present, but are not well developed, the antennal scapes are without erect hairs (except at apex), the scapes extend nearly 1 funicular segment past the posterior lateral corner in both the majors and the females. Erect hairs are sparse on the head, mesosoma, petiole and gaster, and absent on the cheeks, malar area, sides and head, posterior lateral corners, and tibiae, except for 2 rows of hairs on the flexor surface. The pubescence on the gaster is very fine, with none of the hairs overlapping adjacent hairs. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
Southeastern Canada, Nova Scotia and Quebec through northeastern United States and south to New Mexico.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: Alberta, Canada, Canada, United States.

Nomenclature

 *  novaeboracensis. Formica novaeboracensis Fitch, 1855: 766 (w.) U.S.A. Wheeler, W.M. 1910d: 340 (s.w.q.m.); Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1953e: 182 (l.). Combination in Camponotus: Roger, 1863b: 6; in C. (Camponotus): Emery, 1925b: 72. Junior synonym of pennsylvanicus: Dalla Torre, 1893: 247; Emery, 1896d: 372. Revived from synonymy as subspecies of ligniperda: Forel, 1899c: 130. Subspecies of herculeanus: Emery, 1925b: 72; Buren, 1944a: 293. Revived status as species: Creighton, 1950a: 369. Senior synonym of pictus: Forel, 1899c: 130; of rubens: Creighton, 1950a: 370.
 * rubens. Camponotus (Camponotus) herculeanus var. rubens Emery, 1925b: 73 (w.m.) U.S.A. [First available use of Camponotus herculeanus subsp. ligniperdus var. rubens Wheeler, W.M. 1906a: 41; unavailable name.] Junior synonym of noveboracensis: Creighton, 1950a: 370.
 * pictus. Camponotus ligniperdus var. pictus Forel, 1886f: 141 (w.q.m.) U.S.A. [First available use of Camponotus herculeanus r. ligniperdus var. pictus Forel, 1879a: 59; unavailable name.] Subspecies of herculeanus: Mayr, 1886d: 420. Junior synonym of noveboracensis: Forel, 1899c: 130.