Camponotus malleensis

A mallee ant, little is known about its biology.

Identification
McArthur (2007) - The presumed nearest relative Camponotus scotti has sparse long erect setae on its mesosoma.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Australasian Region: Australia.

Nomenclature

 *  malleensis. Camponotus malleensis McArthur, 2007b: 109, figs. (w.) AUSTRALIA.

Worker
Major Mesosoma: in lateral view with plentiful erect setae; dorsum uniformly weakly convex; metanotum shallow, indistinct; propodeal angle rounded, about 150°; ratio dorsum/declivity about 1.5; node on the petiole with anterior face convex, summit blunt, posterior face straight. Head: sides convex, tapering to the front; vertex straight, head width greatest anterior to eye level, anterior frontal area distinct; frontal carinae wide; clypeus anterior margin projecting with a strong concavity; median clypeal carina indistinct; plentiful erect setae under head. Appendages: indistinct flat-lying setae on outside of tibiae and scape. Colour: yellowish brown, head darker, legs lighter.

Minor Mesosoma: in lateral view, with plentiful erect setae on mesosoma and on node on the petiole, uniformly weakly convex; metanotum indistinct; propodeal angle rounded, about 150°; ratio dorsum/declivity about 2; declivity straight; node on the petiole with anterior face convex, summit convex, posterior face straight. Head: sides straight, weakly tapering to the front; vertex weakly convex; head width greatest at eye level; frontal area indistinct; frontal carinae wide; clypeus anterior margin projecting with a strong concavity; median clypeal carina distinct; plentiful erect setae under head. Appendages: distinct flat-lying setae on outside of tibiae; setae on scape raised to about 5°. Colour: mesosoma yellowish brown, head darker, legs lighter.

The species is presumed dimorphic due to the absence of medium workers in the SAMA collection.

Etymology
Named after Mallee the name of a growth form of Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) the ant's habitat.

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * McArthur A. J. 2007. New species of Camponotus (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Australia. Annalen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien. B, Botanik, Zoologie 108: 103-113.