Formica difficilis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Formica difficilis: //fɔrˈmiːkə dɪˈfɪsɪlɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Formica difficilis is a small ant species in the family Formicidae, characterized by its unique physical features and behaviors. It engages in mutualistic relationships with aphids and relies on invasions for colony founding.

Physical Characteristics

Workers 3.5-5.5 mm, queens 5.5 mm. Workers recognized by sparse occurrence of short, spatulate or distally flattened and broadened hairs on pronotum and vertex of head; head slightly shinier than the mesosoma. Queens uniform brownish yellow except for alary sclerites, shiny, and no larger than the largest workers.

Identification Tips

Look for workers with short, spatulate or distally flattened hairs on the pronotum and vertex. The head will appear slightly shinier than the rest of the body.

Habitat

Native loamy or sandy grasslands, old fields, lightly grazed pasture, and barrens.

Distribution

Eastern US, roughly co-extensive with the usual temporary host (F. incerta).

Diet

Avidly tends aphids and membracids, visits extrafloral nectaries on prairie plants, and preys on small, soft-bodied invertebrates.

Life Cycle

Colony foundation is by invasion of small queens into colonies of F. incerta or by re-entering an established colony of its own species, followed by later colony fission.

Reproduction

Small queens invade colonies of F. incerta during colony foundation or can re-enter an established colony of their own species.

Collecting Methods

• Attracted to sweet baits
• Attracted to meat baits

Evolution

Part of the Formica microgyna group, known for small-queened species within the greater rufa group.

Similar Taxa

• F. incerta

Tags

• ant
• Formica
• Hymenoptera
• Formicidae
• insect