Formica adamsi

This species occurs in forests, including pinyon pine, oak, alligator bark juniper and at higher elevations, above 2200 meters, in mixed forests, meadows, spruce-fir forests and upwards into dry tundra. Nests are found under stones and logs (as well as in logs), usually banked with thatching, or simply in thatched nests, generally in rocky areas. Reproductives have been collected in nests from July to September. This species is a temporary parasite and enslaves.

Identification
Workers of this species have at least a few blunt tipped or spatulate hairs on the dorsum of the pronotum. The scapes, underside of the head, and petiole lack erect hairs. The gaster has only a few erect hairs, and the surfaces are sparsely covered with silver, appressed pubescence.

The numbers of hairs on the promesonotum ranges from none (subspecies californicus) to fewer than 12 (subspecies whymperi, alpina type series and adamsi type series) to over 12 (alpina type series). Also color varies considerably in this species. Thus these subspecies do not vary consistently by color or by numbers of hairs on the pronotum, and all are considered synonyms.

Distribution
Formica adamsi was recently discovered in Maine, the first record for New England.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: Canada, United States.

Nomenclature

 *  adamsi. Formica adamsi Wheeler, W.M. 1909e: 84 (w.) U.S.A.
 * [Formica adamsi Wheeler, W.M. 1908g: 408. Nomen nudum.]
 * Status as species: Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 473 (redescription); Bolton, 1995b: 191; Mackay & Mackay, 2002: 331.
 * Subspecies of whymperi: Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 544; Creighton, 1950a: 509; Smith, D.R. 1979: 1463.
 * [Note: Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 544, Creighton, 1950a: 509, and Smith, D.R. 1979: 1463, all give whymperi as senior name, but adamsi has priority (Bolton, 1995b: 191).]
 * Current subspecies: nominal plus alpina, whymperi.