Formica podzolica

Nests are found under stones or logs, or in soil with small mounds (up to 50 cm diameter), sometimes with a covering of pebbles or thatching, in rocky loam soils. It is a host for the slavemaking species Formica pergandei.

Distribution
Widespread in North America. Mexico: Chihuahua.

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

Habitat
In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Urban areas, meadows, pinyon-juniper, up to ponderosa pine-riparian, fir, aspen, sand spruce forests.

Biology
For New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Brood was present in July and August, sexuals in August, and dealate females were collected in July and August (with first brood). This species is the host of Polyergus breviceps. These ants nest together with Lasius, with the brood of the 2 genera mixed. One mixed nest included Formica argentea, Formica  aserva, Formica  obtusopilosa,  Formica  lasioides and Myrmica, another contained Camponotus pennsylvanicus, two nests were together with Myrmica. It is enslaved by Formica aserva.

Castes

 * Worker

Nomenclature

 *  podzolica. Formica podzolica Francoeur, 1973: 162, figs. 272-287 (w.q.m.) CANADA. Junior synonym of subsericea: Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1986g: 92. Revived from synonymy: Bolton, 1995b: 201.