Fusca-group
Guides
Formica argentea
Silvery Field Ant
Formica argentea is a North American ant species in the fusca group, first described by Wheeler in 1912. It is characterized by a silvery sheen on abdominal pubescence and reddish-brown appendages. The species occurs in western montane regions, including the Sierra Nevada, and has been documented as a host for the slave-making ant Polyergus breviceps. It belongs to the subsericea species complex and is closely related to F. subsericea, with which it overlaps in parts of its range.
Formica biophilica
Wilson's Field Ant
Formica biophilica is a North American ant species in the genus Formica, described by James Trager in 2007. It belongs to the fusca group within Formica, a diverse assemblage of ants often characterized by their association with open habitats and varied ecological roles. The species epithet 'biophilica' reflects an affinity for living systems or biological environments. Like many Formica species, it participates in complex ecological interactions within its native range, though specific natural history details remain limited in published literature.
Formica neorufibarbis
New World Red Bearded Ant
Formica neorufibarbis is an alpine ant species in the genus Formica, described by Emery in 1893. Research indicates this species exhibits worker size polymorphism that affects colony fitness, with colonies showing mean worker head widths ranging from 0.89–1.24 mm. The species has been studied for its nest site selection behavior at high elevations, specifically its use of rock versus soil substrates. It belongs to the fusca group within Formica and has been documented in montane environments of the western United States, including the Sierra Nevada.
Formica podzolica
Podzol Ant
Formica podzolica is a species of mound-building ant in the subfamily Formicinae, described by Francoeur in 1973. The species is associated with podzolic soils and functions as an ecosystem engineer in subalpine and montane environments. Colonies modify soil moisture and nitrogen availability around their nests, creating distinct microhabitats that alter plant community composition and structure.