Camponotus sp.6

Japanese Name

Okinawa-kuro-oo-ari

Total length of workers around 7 - 9 mm (based on 2 individuals only). Color black. Propodeal dorsum short, so that the mesosoma appears compressed in length.

This species resembles C. japonicus, but is distinguished from it by the following characteristics: (1) 2nd gastral tergite with sparse pubescence, the hairs not overlapping their neighbours (they overlap in C. japonicus); (2) the length of the individual hairs of the pubescence 1.5 to 2 times the distance separating them; (3) pubescence on head and mesosoma more sparse and shorter than in C. japonicus. This species is found only on Uotsuri-jima Island. C. japonicus has been recorded from Okinawa Island, Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island and Senkaku Is (Ikehara & Shimojana, 1971; Takara & Azuma, 1973). The relevant records could involve Camponotus sp. 6 or another species.

Senkaku Is (Uotsuri-jima I. [Takuya Abe leg.]).