Camponotus sayi Emery
Figures 215-216, 221

     Camponotus sayi Emery, 1893:679; o. Wheeler, 1910a:343; o.
     Camponotus (Myrmentoma) sayi: Creighton, 1950:384, 389-390. Snelling, 1968:355-358; o (in part). Snelling, 1988:72-73.

      RANGE: Utah and Arizona to southeastern California, south
to Cape Region of Lower California.

      DESERT RECORDS. Map 16. Imperial Co.: Calipatria, -182', 2 Aug. 1962 (R. S. Deal; LACM); Imperial, -60', 19 Oct 1959 (C. R. Waegner; CDFA); El Centro, -45', 25 Aug & 11 Sept 1959 (C. R. Waegner; CDFA); Calexico, 1', various dates & collectors (CDA, LACM); Bard, 150', 17 Mar 1964 (G. Beevor & J. Johnson; CDFA) & 9 Aug 1961 (R. Maxwell; LACM). Los Angeles Co.: Lovejoy Buttes, 15 Apr 1946 (L. M. Martin; LACM). Riverside Co.: Indian Wells, 1 Apr 1938 (R. B. Cowles; LACM); Blythe, various dates & collectors (CDFA, LACM, UCFD). San Bernardino Co.: Victorville, 2715', Oct 1972 (LACM). San Diego Co.: Borrego Valley, 20 Jan 1949 (R. Harper; CDFA).

      DISCUSSION. The clear red head and mesosoma and black gastertogether with the notched clypeal apex, are sufficient for recognition of this species. The only other species in our area with a notched clypeus is C. hyatti, which is quite different in
color and with a very different mesosomal profile.
     As with most other species of subgenus Myrmentoma, C. sayi nests in wood, usually dead limbs of cottonwood, willow, desert willow, mesquite, etc. Apparently the ant rarely excavates its own galleries but utilizes old galleries of termites or wood-boring beetles. We have collections from "under Chilopsis bark" and "in date palms".
     Elevation range in our area is from -182 to 2715 feet in Saltbush Scrub, Wash Woodlands and Alkali Sink.

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