Camponotus saussurei

Introduction

Camponotus saussurei is a small, dark ant species endemic to Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) in the Caribbean. Workers measure approximately 4.6mm and are mostly black with reddish mandibles and tarsi. The body is covered in distinctive erect whitish hairs, giving them a somewhat fuzzy appearance. This species was originally described from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, but specimens in museum collections confirm it is actually a Hispaniola endemic found at elevations between 230-980m . This is one of the more obscure Camponotus species, known from limited specimens in forest habitats. It is likely arboreal or semi-arboreal in nature, similar to other Caribbean Camponotus species. The species remains poorly studied, and captive husbandry information is extremely limited .