Formica neorufibarbis

This is a common, widely distributed species. Nests may be found under stones or logs and in rotten logs and stumps in areas of rocky sand or loam.

Identification
This species has few erect hairs, the gaster is polished and strongly shining, the surface is little hidden by sparse pubescence. The metasternal process is poorly developed, but is usually surrounded by erect hairs. The area between the anterior edge of the eye and the mandible has elongate punctures, which are often difficult to see unless the surface is held obliquely and the light is directed from the side. The shiny gaster usually suggests the neorufibarbis species complex, the other characters, especially the lack of hairs on the ventral surface of the head and dorsum of the petiole, together with the elongate punctures on the gena, confirm the identification. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
Widespread in North America and south into northern Mexico.

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

Habitat
In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Sagebrush, grasslands, pinyon-juniper, up to spruce and aspen, fir, riparian cottonwood forests and ponderosa pine forests.

Biology
For New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Brood was found in nests in July and August, reproductives were in nests in August. The diurnal foragers are found in chollas (Opuntia sp.). This species is enslaved by other species of Formica (Formica adamsi alpina) and by Polyergus breviceps.

Nomenclature

 *  neorufibarbis. Formica fusca var. neorufibarbis Emery, 1893i: 660 (w.) U.S.A. Forel, 1902i: 699 (q.); Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 547 (m.); Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1953c: 165 (l.). Combination in F. (Serviformica): Emery, 1925b: 248. Subspecies of fusca: Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, E.W. 1944: 261. Raised to species: Creighton, 1950a: 537. Senior synonym of algida, gelida: Francoeur, 1973: 215.
 * gelida. Formica fusca var. gelida Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 399 (in key) (w.q.m.) U.S.A. [Formica fusca subsp. fusca var. gelida Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 505; unavailable name.] Subspecies of fusca: Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 546; of neorufibarbis: Creighton, 1950a: 537. Junior synonym of neorufibarbis: Francoeur, 1973: 215.
 * algida. Formica fusca var. algida Wheeler, W.M. 1915f: 205 (w.q.) U.S.A. Combination in F. (Serviformica): Emery, 1925b: 248. Subspecies of neorufibarbis: Creighton, 1950a: 537. Junior synonym of neorufibarbis: Francoeur, 1973: 215.