Formica sibylla

Distribution
Oregon, California, and the Sierra Nevada in midwestern Nevada.

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



Biology
Nevada, Wheeler and Wheeler (1986) - This montane species is restricted to the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe. Our 30 records are from 16 localities; 6,000-9,000 ft. All are in the Coniferous Forest Biome. This species constructed craters (Figs. 51, 52) in openings in the coniferous forest, where the soil was sandy and bare of vegetation. The dusty craters measured 15-28 cm in diameter and the rim was 2550 mm high: the entrance was large-19-38 mm. Frequently an enormous number of craters were clustered in a small area; we suspect that most were feeding stations, because we have never found brood upon excavation. We have found brood in only 2 nests both of which were under stones. The workers were very timid and fast.

Nomenclature

 *  sibylla. Formica sibylla Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 530 (w.m.) U.S.A. See also: Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 551; Francoeur, 1973: 263.