Formica xerophila

Nests are found in the soil.

Identification
This species can be easily recognized by the thick petiole with a blunt apex, as seen in profile. Additionally it is pale brown with a slightly darker gaster. The propodeum is low, about the same level as the lowest point (posterior edge) of the mesonotum. The region between the two faces is broadly rounded. The metasternal process is poorly developed; there are few erect hairs, which are restricted to the clypeus, dorsum of the head and dorsum of the gaster. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
United States: Washington, California, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.

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

Habitat
In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - This species occurs in arid and semi arid sites, in transition zones to pines.

Nomenclature

 *  xerophila. Formica (Neoformica) moki subsp. xerophila Smith, M.R. 1939f: 583 (w.) U.S.A. Raised to species and senior synonym of grundmanni: Francoeur, 1973: 259.
 * grundmanni. Formica moki subsp. grundmanni Cole, 1943b: 184 (w.) U.S.A. Junior synonym of xerophila: Francoeur, 1973: 259.