Camponotus jodina

Camponotus jodina is known from only two specimens collected in Parc National de Zahamena, Madagascar, in rainforest, at two different localities. Workers were found foraging on lower vegetation. Camponotus jodina occurs sympatric with Camponotus karaha at the Sahavorondrano River.

Identification
Rasoamanana et al. (2007) - Camponotus jodina is easily distinguishable from the other species of Myrmopytia on the basis of the following character combination: petiole surmounted by a conical node terminated with a blunt spine, PEW/CS 0.152 [0.149, 0.156], propodeum coarsely reticulate with a short vertical anterior face.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Malagasy Region: Madagascar.

Mimicry
Within Madagascar, there are four species of Camponotus, Camponotus imitator, Camponotus jodina, Camponotus karaha and Camponotus longicollis, that mimic the general form and behavior of the Aphaenogaster swammerdami group, specifically Aphaenogaster bressleri, Aphaenogaster gonacantha, Aphaenogaster makay, Aphaenogaster sahafina and Aphaenogaster swammerdami. These Camponotus mimics are often seen foraging with workers of Aphaenogaster, but potential benefits for Camponotus have not been studied (Csosz et al., 2021).

Nomenclature

 * . Camponotus jodina Rasoamanana, et al. 2017: 139, figs. 8B, 12, 18 (w.) MADAGASCAR.

Worker
Minor Head longer than wide, rear portion of head extended into a long neck, sides of head narrowed in front of eyes. CS 1.84 mm [1.80, 1.88] (n=2). Posterior margin of head glabrous, suberect genal setae present on sides of head in full-face view. Eyes located anterior to the midlength of head capsule in full-face view, PoOC/CL 0.417 [0.407, 0.426]. Frontal carina convex, FR/CS 0.228 [0.222, 0.234]. Scape distinctly surpassing posterior margin by almost half of its length, SL/CS 1.870 [1.851, 1.889]. Anterior margin of clypeus produced into an obtuse angle, lateral border straight. In profile, posteromedian portion of clypeus with an obtuse angle. ClyL/CL 0.225 [0.213, 0.237]. Mandible with 6 teeth, palps long with respect to head size.

Pronotum evenly curved over its length. Mesonotum straight and elongate, MPD/ CS 1.424 [1.422, 1.426]. Erect setae absent, appressed pubescence generally sparse. Mesothoracic spiracles prominent; propodeal dorsum evenly convex, its outline meeting the metanotal groove with transverse carina. ML/CS 2.294[2.255, 2.333].

Petiole nodiform. Dorsum of petiole strongly concave, tapering apically to a blunt spine, PEW/CS 0.152 [0.149, 0.156].

Entire body including antennae dark brown. Coxae, femora, and tibiae brown. Head, pronotum, fore-coxae and petiole microreticulate, mesonotum and propodeum reticulate-costate.

Type Material
Holotype worker: MADAGASCAR, Province Toamasina, Parc National de Zahamena, Onibe River, -17.75908 48.85468, 780 m, 22.ii.2009, rainforest, on low vegetation. (B.L. Fisher et al.). Collection code: BLF22344. Unique specimen identifier: CASENT0152090. Paratype worker: MADAGASCAR, Prov. Toamasina, Parc National de Zahamena, Sahavorondrano River, -17.75257, 48.85725, 765 m, 23.ii.2009, rainforest, beating low vegetation. (B.L. Fisher et al.). Collection code: BLF22401. Unique specimen identifier: CASENT0153052 (CASC).

Etymology
This species is named for the shape of its petiole in profile; the Malagasy word “jodina” means directed upward.