Subfamily FORMICINAE
Tribe CAMPONOTINI
Camponotus (Myrmothrix) atriceps (F. Smith)

Introduction
Camponotus atriceps is in the subgenus Myrmothrix. Members of this genus can be recognized by having erect setae on the antennal scapes.

Identification
Worker: Camponotus atriceps (F. Smith) in the subgenus Myrmothrix, is an average to large sized ant ranging in size from about 6.5 to 11 mm in overall length. This species as others in the subgenus, can be recognized by the erect hairs present on the antennal scapes. This species is very similar to C. floridanus, by which it differs mostly in color. Camponotus floridanus has a reddish head, alitrunk, and petiole, and a blackish to black gaster, while C. atriceps is concolorous light brown. It is also somewhat similar to C. socius in that it also has many long erect hairs on the head and body, but differs in that it is very shiny (rather than opaque), has a pale brown gaster (instead of a banded gaster), and has the erect setae on the scapes that are lacking in C. socius.

Biology and Economic Importance

Distribution
This species does not appear to be established in MS or AL, although it has been collected in shipments of banana. There is some question as to the validity of this species and C. floridanus because the main difference between them is color, which is apparently quite variable across their ranges. If, and when, they become synonomized, C. atriceps is the name with priority.

Literature Cited

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