Formica wheeleri

This species usually nests under stones, but may construct earthen mounds or even thatched domes in rocky loam soils. Reproductives were found in nests in July, dealate females also in July. The males are apparently very large (Cole, 1955c). This species enslaves Formica altipetens, Formica bradleyi, Formica fusca, Formica lasioides, Formica lepida, Formica neogagates, and Formica neorufibarbis. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
The petiole of this species has a blunt apex and is wide as seen from the front. The head is often darker than the mesosoma. The underside of the head usually has a pair of erect hairs. The hairs on the gaster are about 0.1 mm long, and are moderately fine, mostly sharp-tipped. Those on the pronotum are shorter, thicker and at least a few are blunt-tipped. The eyes are large, extending past the sides of the head in most workers. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
United States: North Dakota south to New Mexico, west to Arizona.

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

Habitat
In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Sagebrush scrub, grasslands up to ponderosa pine and aspen-spruce forests.

Nomenclature

 *  wheeleri. Formica wheeleri Creighton, 1935: 1, fig. 1 (w.q.) U.S.A. Combination in F. (Raptiformica): Creighton, 1950a: 472.