Aphaenogaster rudis

Aphaenogaster rudis is a common, widespread species found from Massachusetts south to Alabama and west to Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri (Gregg 1963, Smith 1979, Wheeler and Wheeler 1988b, Umphrey 1996, Nemec et al. 2016). It occurs in deciduous woodlands and nests in soil, under stones or logs, in decaying wood, leaf litter, hollow stems of plants, or under bark at bases of trees (Smith 1979, Nemec et al. 2016). It should be noted that as currently understood, A. rudis is thought to be a complex of species (Umphrey 1996) and further studies on its taxonomy are needed (see fulva-rudis-texana complex).

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



Biology
Like most members of Aphaenogaster, this species is not characteristic of prairies (Trager 1998), but may be found in prairie remnants or restorations that are adjacent to deciduous trees (Kittelson et al. 2008, Nemec et al. 2016).

Nomenclature

 *  rudis. Aphaenogaster fulva var. rudis Enzmann, J. 1947b: 150 (w.q.) U.S.A. [First available use of Stenamma (Aphaenogaster) fulvum subsp. aquia var. rude Emery, 1895c: 305; unavailable name.] Wheeler, G.C & Wheeler, J. 1953b: 56 (l.); Crozier, 1970: 125 (k.). Raised to species: Creighton, 1950a: 147. Subspecies of picea as this name made available first (picea entered as subspecies of rudis in Creighton, 1950a: 147), and hence is senior name: Bolton, 1995b: 72.] Raised to species: Umphrey, 1996: 558 (in key).