Camponotus detritus is a large formicine ant which occurs in the Kuiseb River and dunes of the cemtral Namib Desert. Aspects of its biology, ecophysiology and behaviour are discussed in relation to the dune ecosystem, and possible areas of future research are considered. It is a diurnal species, avoiding the most stressful periods of the day by returning to the nest or staying in the shade of vegetation. For an ant, it has a high resistance to temperature and dessication. It is a major consumer of honeydew, limited chiefly by intraspecific competition for food and the availability of honeydew. Keywords: Namibia, Namib Desert, Gobabeb, desert biology, desert ecology, desert fauna, species richness, diet, adaptation, reproduction. ACCESSION NUMBER: 574.5'688 SEE.