A new species complex in the genus Camponotus Mayr, 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with the description of a new species

Orthonotomyrmex Ashmead, 1906 is one of the most morphologically distinct subgenera in the genus Camponotus Mayr, 1861 with a marginated propodeum, nodiform petiole and punctate sculpturing covering most of the body. Here, we propose a new species complex native to Southeast Asia, the Camponotus selene –complex. We also propose the elevation of Camponotus obtusatus (Emery, 1895) as a valid species, the synonymisation of C. lasiselene syn. nov . with C. obtusatus and describe a new species, Camponotus orthogonius sp. nov . from Hong Kong SAR. The type series was collected within multiple neighbouring twigs from a singular fallen tree suggesting a polydomic colony structure. Keys to the known species of the selene –complex are provided for both minor and major workers. We also provide new distribution data for Camponotus obtusatus stat. nov . and Camponotus siamensis Jaitrong & Jeenthong, 2022 from Fujan Province, China and Laos, respectively. The proposal of the new selene –complex serves to facilitate future revisions Orthonotomyrmex when more Afrotropical specimens are available to better diagnose the subgenus. The discovery of C. orthogonius sp. nov ., alongside newly–reported range extensions, reinforces the potential of further arboreal ant species discoveries in Southeast Asia.