Formica querquetulana

In Nevada (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1986), where this species has only been collected a few times, it has been encountered in the Alpine Biome at 11,200 ft.; only strays were found and they were mixed with strays of Formica microgyna. Formica fusca has been reported as the host for F. querquetulana.

Identification
The worker of this species lacks erect hairs on the scape (except at the apex), the dorsum of the head has several erect hairs (usually more than 20 in the outline of head, viewed from the side, counting the ones on the clypeus), the mesosoma, including the propodeum has several erect, blunt-tipped, or even spatulate hairs, the apex of the petiole has several erect hairs, erect hairs are scattered across dorsum of the first tergum. The tibiae are without erect hairs, except for a row of bristles on the flexor surface.

The queen is a tiny specimen, about 2/3 the size of the largest worker. The scape is without erect hairs, the tibiae lack erect hairs, except for a row of bristles on the flexor surface. The dorsum of the mesosoma has a number of erect hairs, erect hairs are abundant on the propodeum, dorsum of the petiole, and dorsum of the first tergum. Many of the hairs are blunt-tipped or even spatulate. The female is medium to yellowish brown, with a slightly darker gaster.

This species is distinctive, and is unlikely to be confused with any of the others. The presence of numerous erect, blunt-tipped hairs on the mesosoma, especially the propodeum, will separate it from all other similar species, except Formica difficilis. It can be separated from F. difficilis by the lack of erect hairs on the posterior lateral corner of the head.

Note that color varies within this species, with smallest workers being quite dingy and the larger workers relatively brightly-colored.

Distribution
New England westward to Montana, Nevada, and California.

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



Nomenclature

 *  querquetulana. Formica querquetulana Kennedy & Dennis, 1937: 536, figs. 10-15 (w.q.) U.S.A.