Novomessor albisetosus

This is the second most common species of the genus in the arid regions of the Southwestern United States and northern México (after Aphaenogaster cockerelli). Nests are usually found under stones with the entrance surrounded by gravel. These ants are very aggressive and although they cannot sting, their bite is irritating (Mackay and Mackay 2002).

Identification
This species can be distinguished from all others except Aphaenogaster cockerelli and Aphaenogaster ensifera by the poorly marked metanotal suture, long legs and well-developed spines on the propodeum. Most workers can be distinguished from the closely related A. cockerelli as they have a less elongate head. Specimens of these two species are often difficult to separate. It can be easily separated from the Mexican species A. ensifera by the lack of a constricted neck.

Identification Keys including this Taxon
Key to US Aphaenogaster species

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



Biology
Habitats range from Chihuahuan Desert to oak forests. When found in arid ecosystems, it usually occurs in the bottoms of arroyos or in areas near water. The soil in these areas is often rocky with boulders.

Nomenclature

 *  albisetosa. Aphaenogaster albisetosa Mayr, 1886d: 446 (w.) U.S.A. Wheeler, W.M. & Creighton, 1934: 350 (q.m.); Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1953b: 70 (l.). Combination in Stenamma (Aphaenogaster): Emery, 1895c: 306; in Novomessor: Emery, 1915d: 73; in Aphaenogaster: Brown, 1974b: 47. Senior synonym of minor Enzmann: Brown, 1949a: 49. See also: Hölldobler, Stanton & Engel, 1976: 32; Hölldobler, Stanton & Markl, 1978: 163; Smith, D.R. 1979: 1360; Bolton, 1982: 340.
 * minor. Novomessor cockerelli var. minor Enzmann, J. 1947b: 148, pl. 8 (w.) U.S.A. [Unresolved junior secondary homonym of Aphaenogaster minor André, 1883b: 355, above.] Junior synonym of albisetosa: Brown, 1949a: 49.