Formica dakotensis

This ant nests in mounds, often thatched with detritus, or under stones. It enslaves F. fusca, F. lepida, F. montana, F. nitidiventris, F. subsericea and F. pallidefulva. Like most species of Formica, this species tends aphids. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
Workers, females (and even males) of this species are easily recognized as the node of the petiole is flat or has a slightly concave apex, as seen from the front or back. The sides of the node are nearly straight and parallel. The palpi are remarkably short. The female is smooth and shining, and smaller than the largest workers.

Distribution
Canada, Alberta. United States, widely distributed.

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

Habitat
In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Grasslands up to ponderosa pine forests.

Biology
Temporary hosts for F. dakotensis are Formica fusca, Formica lepida, Formica montana, and Formica pallidefulva.

Nevada, Wheeler and Wheeler (1986) - Our 8 records are from 7 localities, which are widely scattered north of the Hot Desert. Two are in the Coniferous Forest Biome, 1 in the ectotone above, and 1 in the Alpine Biome. Five nests were under stones and 1 was under a dead sagebrush trunk.

Nomenclature

 *  dakotensis. Formica dakotensis Emery, 1893i: 652, pl. 22, fig. 5 (w.) U.S.A. Wasmann, 1902a: 4 (q.m.); Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 462 (q.). Senior synonym of saturata, wasmanni (and its junior synonym specularis): Creighton, 1950a: 484; of montigena: Brown, 1957f: 167.
 * montigena. Formica montigena Wheeler, W.M. 1904f: 374 (w.q.m.) U.S.A. Subspecies of dakotensis: Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 463; Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, E.W. 1944: 260. Junior synonym of dakotensis: Brown, 1957f: 167.
 * wasmanni. Formica dakotensis var. wasmanni Forel, 1904a: 153 (footnote) (w.q.m.) U.S.A. Synonym of specularis: Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 464 (Wheeler gives specularis as senior name but wasmanni has priority). Junior synonym of dakotensis: Creighton, 1950a: 484.
 * specularis. Formica specularis Wheeler, W.M. 1908g: 408 (q.) U.S.A. [First available use of Formica fusca subsp. subpolita var. specularis Emery, 1893i: 663; unavailable name.] Junior synonym of wasmanni: Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 464 (Wheeler incorrectly gives seniority to specularis). Junior synonym of dakotensis: Creighton, 1950a: 484.
 * saturata. Formica dakotensis var. saturata Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 542 (w.) U.S.A. Junior synonym of dakotensis: Creighton, 1950a: 484.