Formica rubicunda

This species nests under stones and logs and may occasionally construct thatched nests or earthen mounds. Formica rubicunda enslaves Formica altipetens, Formica bradleyi, Formica  fossaceps, Formica  fusca, Formica  lasioides, Formica  lepida, Formica  montana, Formica  neoclara, Formica  neogagates, Formica  neorufibarbis, Formica  obscuriventris clivia, Formica  pallidefulva, and Formica schaufussi. One mixed nest included Formica argentea, Formica  aserva, Formica   obtusopilosa Formica lasioides and Myrmica.

Identification
The apex of the petiole, as seen in profile, is sharp. The dorsum of the first tergum of the gaster has abundant hairs, slightly over 0.1 mm in length. The hairs are coarse and thick, but most are abruptly tapered to sharp tips. These hairs are slightly longer and more abundant than those on the pronotum, which tend to be more blunt tipped. The underside of the head usually has four hairs. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
Widespread in North America.

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

Habitat
In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Prairies and open woodlands up to pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine and aspen forests.

Biology
In New England, Formica rubicunda often enslaves colonies of Formica subsericea.

Nomenclature

 *  rubicunda. Formica sanguinea subsp. rubicunda Emery, 1893i: 647, pl. 22, fig. 2 (w.q.) U.S.A. Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 407 (m.). Combination in F. (Raptiformica): Emery, 1925b: 260. Raised to species: Creighton, 1950a: 468. Junior synonym of subintegra: Wilson & Brown, 1955: 120. Revived from synonymy: Buren, 1968a: 30.