Camponotus (Myrmosericus) cosmicus (F. Smith)

Type location South Africa (Formica cosmica, F. Smith, 1858b: 34, major & minor workers; subspecies of Camponotus rufoglaucus Emery, 1895h: 49; Arnold, 1924: 693; revived status as species, Santschi, 1935a: 280, name only in combination Camponotus (Myrmosericus) cosmicus Smith v. anthracinus Santschi); major & minor workers only known (see Bolton, 1995) .

F Smith's (1858b) description is at . Emery (1895h) separated it from the rufoglaucus type in his key, noting its small size, TL 4.5-7.0 mm, propodeum angle rounded, black, gaster with golden pubescence, brilliant. Arnold (1924) described Smith's description as useless and relied on Emery's note, this is at .

Mike Lush (pers. comm.) has examined specimens of cosmicus and the presence of subcephalic hairs is a consistent feature. These can be seen in the specimen below although only parts are dark near black.

The photomontage of a syntype major worker is collated from http://www.antweb.org/specimen.do?name=casent0903510.

The photomontage of a syntype minor worker is collated from http://www.antweb.org/specimen.do?name=casent0903509.

Oxford University Museum specimens

Camponotus (Myrmosericus) cosmicus B Taylor det.

South Africa S Danflous

2.xii.2007 Gaufeng Province 26°10'40" S 28°00'58" E

Melville Estate; 153 m

1

The photomontage is of a major worker from South Africa; collector Sam Danflous.