Componotus detritus is a formicine ant species common in the sand-dunes of the central Namib Desert. Workers showed a continuous polymorphism and a certain amount of polyethism. Queens were similar to workers in appearance but had larger, distended gasters. From 0 to 7 dealate females were found in a nest. Alate reproductives occurred in some nests throughout most of the year, but the majority were found in summer. Keywords: Aggressive behaviour, Arthropod, Brood, C. fulvopiIosus, Camponotus detritus, Colony foundation, Desert ecosystems, Formicine ant, Life cycle patterns, Myrmica ruginodus macrogyna, Nuptial flight, Oecophylla fonginoda, Orientation by sun's rays, Perennial vegetation, Pharate adults, Polygynous colonies, territoriality.