Native-mutualist
Guides
Forelius
Forelius is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, distributed across the Neotropical region from the southern United States to Argentina. The genus comprises at least 18 described species, including F. pruinosus, which has been documented as a native mutualist with plants and as a participant in ecological interactions with sea turtle nests. Species in this genus produce characteristic defensive secretions containing iridodial and iridomyrmecin.
Forelius pruinosus
high noon ant
Forelius pruinosus, commonly known as the high noon ant, is a North American ant species in the subfamily Dolichoderinae. It is notable for its diurnal foraging activity during hot, dry conditions, its polygynous colony structure with multiple queens, and its documented mutualistic relationships with various plants and insects. The species has been observed in sea turtle nests on Georgia's barrier islands and has been studied as a native ant mutualist in contrast to invasive ant species.