Formica lepida

This species nests under stones.

Identification
Workers may be recognized by the lack of a process on the metasternum, being concolorous yellow to blackish-brown, by lacking elongate punctures on the genae, and in having erect hairs present on the ventral surface of the head, posterior border, promesonotum, propodeum and dorsal margin of the petiole. The four faces of the femora have erect hairs, and the petiole is thick as seen in profile, with a rounded apex. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

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

Nomenclature

 *  lepida. Formica cinerea var. lepida Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 399 (diagnosis in key) (w.) U.S.A. [Formica cinerea subsp. cinerea var. lepida Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 526; unavailable name.] Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 551 (q.). Subspecies of cinerea: Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 551; Creighton, 1950a: 531. Raised to species: Francoeur, 1973: 122.