Formica coloradensis

This ant nests under logs and stumps or stones, or simply in mounds with thatching. Reproductives were found in nests in July, dealate females were collected in July and August. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
The presence of bristly, short, erect hairs scattered over all surfaces of the tibiae, separate this species from most of the others in the rufa group. Formica coloradensis has a less protruding clypeus, with shallow tentorial pits. The minor worker has a red head, mesosoma and legs. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
United States: Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico.

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

Habitat
For New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002): Higher elevation forests (1600 - 3500 meters), oak forests, occasionally in meadows or near aspen-spruce forests.

Biology
Nest site selected in areas of moderate to heavy cover. Nest begun in or under a log or stump. Extensive use made of thatching. The finished nest considerably influenced by the size of the object in which it was started but, when this is small, a dome shaped nest results (Creighton, 1940)

Nomenclature

 *  coloradensis. Formica rufa subsp. coloradensis Creighton, 1940a: 1, fig. 1 (w.q.) U.S.A. [First available use of Formica truncicola subsp. integroides var. coloradensis Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 440; unavailable name.] Subspecies of integroides: Creighton, 1950a: 489. Raised to species: Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1986g: 81; Mackay, Lowrie, et al. 1988: 111 (in key).