Formica oreas comptula

Nests are found under stones or logs covered with thatching.

Identification
This is another subspecies, which is based on relatively insignificant color differences. The minor workers of this subspecies are partially dark, whereas minor workers of the typical F. oreas are generally bicolored (head and mesosoma red, gaster black). It will probably be shown to be a synonym of the typical Formica oreas. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
Western North America.

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

Habitat
In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Woodlands and grasslands.

Nomenclature

 *  comptula. Formica oreas var. comptula Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 460 (w.q.) U.S.A. Currently subspecies of oreas: Creighton, 1950a: 494.