Aphaenogaster uinta

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



Biology
A Great Basin and Colorado Plateau species that favors arid areas. It can be found in cool desert, pinyon-juniper and coniferous forest habitats. Aphaenogaster uinta create nest chambers under wood or stones but will also build in exposed situations, creating ground nest openings with 6 to 8 cm diameter soil craters. They forage nocturnally and nests can contain several hundred workers.

Nomenclature

 *  uinta. Aphaenogaster uinta Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 517 (w.q.m.) U.S.A. Combination in Aphaenogaster (Attomyrma): Emery, 1921f: 60.

Description
Wheeler (1917) likely choose this name based on the type specimens being collected where the Uinta Mountains loomed on the eastern horizon. As stated in the original description: “Described from seventeen workers, one female and one male taken by Dr. R.V. Chamberlin at East Mill Creek, Salt Lake County, Utah.”
 * Etymology