Camponotus ulcerosus

This species nests in arid habitats under large stones or boulders. The nest is surrounded by a carton shield, a paper-thin sheet of vegetable material, cemented together with salivary secretions, with at least one nest entrance. The soldier uses its head to block the nest entrance. Sexuals occur in nests in May. Minor workers are moderately common in rough, desert canyons, where they can be found foraging on large boulders. Majors capture workers of Tetramorium spinosum when they walk over their faces, as they blocks the nest entrance. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
The head of the major is obliquely truncate, very roughly sculptured and usually has deep, eroded areas on the cheeks. Minor workers are small, black and shiny specimens with a head and mesosoma that is densely and coarsely sculptured. The mesosoma is evenly arched and is covered with long (0.25 mm), white, slightly twisted, erect hairs. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
United States: Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Mexico: Chihuahua.

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

Habitat
Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding foothills, including grassy areas, herbaceous meadows with scattered junipers, blue oaks. oak-juniper woodland rocky soil, broad, mesquite dominated arroyos. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Nomenclature

 * bruesi. Camponotus bruesi Wheeler, W.M. 1910d: 349 (s.w.) U.S.A. Combination in C. (Myrmamblys): Forel, 1914a: 271; in C. (Myrmaphaenus): Emery, 1925b: 154. Junior synonym of ulcerosus: Creighton, 1951: 53.
 *  ulcerosus. Camponotus ulcerosus Wheeler, W.M. 1910d: 351 (s.) U.S.A. Creighton, 1951: 58 (w.q.). Combination in C. (Colobopsis): Forel, 1914a: 272; in C. (Myrmamblys): Emery, 1920b: 259; in C. (Manniella): Emery, 1925b: 160; in C. (Myrmaphaenus): Creighton, 1951: 57. Senior synonym of bruesi: Creighton, 1951: 53. See also: Creighton, 1953d: 82.