Formica neogagates

This species nests in the soil, often under stones or logs. Colonies are small and these ants are timid.

Identification
Formica neogagates usually has abundant erect hairs on the pronotum, as well as the remainder of the body. The antennae are without erect hairs (except at the apex). The surfaces are shiny, but more sculptured than most members of the neogagates species group. It can be separated from most of the other members by having more than 10 erect hairs on the pronotum (usually more than 20), and having rougher sculpture. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

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

Habitat
In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Grasslands and highly disturbed urban environments through pinyon-juniper forests up to aspen forests. It is occasionally found in semiarid habitats.

Biology
For New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002) - Formica densiventris, Formica wheeleri and Formica pergandei enslave it. It nests together with Lasius alienus and Myrmica lobifrons. Reproductives were found in a nest in June, dealate females were found in June and July. Nests have multiple, dealate females.

Nomenclature

 *  neogagates. Formica fusca var. neogagates Viereck, 1903: 74 (w.q.m.) U.S.A. [First available use of Formica fusca subsp. subpolita var. neogagates Emery, 1893i: 661; unavailable name.] Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1953c: 158 (l.). Combination in F. (Proformica): Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 536. Subspecies of subpolita: Wheeler, W.M. 1908f: 625. Raised to species: Wheeler, W.M. 1913f: 536.