Formica canadensis

Nests are found in the soil, usually with the nest entrance surrounded by mound of soil.

Identification
Short, bristly hairs covering most of the surfaces of the body. The sides of the head and cheeks usually have several erect hairs. The scape is without erect hairs (except at the apex) and the legs have few erect hairs. The tibiae have erect hairs only on the flexor surface. The metasternal process is well developed and covered with hairs. This species is shiner than most of the other members of the fusca group, and is usually medium brown with a black gaster. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
Western North America.

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

Habitat
For New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002), forested areas (ponderosa pine, Gamble oak) and surrounding open prairies, as well as areas of clover and milkweed.

Nomenclature

 *  canadensis. Formica cinerea var. canadensis Santschi, 1914a: 435 (w.q.) CANADA. Wheeler, W.M. 1917a: 550 (q.); Francoeur, 1973: 63 (m.). Combination in F. (Serviformica): Emery, 1925b: 246. Junior synonym of lepida: Smith, M.R. 1961a: 252. Revived from synonymy and raised to species: Francoeur, 1973: 60.