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Formica Paralugubris
''Formica paralugubris'' is a species of ant. It is a member of the Formica rufa species group native to the Alps in the Palearctic realm. It is a cryptic species, often miscategorized as ''Formica lugubris'' due to morphological similarities. The two species are capable of differentiating one another, however; ''F. paralugubris'' ants react aggressively towards ''F. lugubris'' ants.''Formica paralugubris'' differs in its organization as a supercolony. It has been introduced into North America with the import of pine trees. It does not exhibit characteristics found in other invasive species due to its limited native range. Ecology Nestmates within a ''F. paralugubris'' colony can recognize each other. ''F. paralugubris'' worker ants are known to collect conifer resin In polymer chemistry and materials science, resin is a solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. Resins are usually mixtures of organic compounds ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Formica Rufa Species Group
The ''Formica rufa'' group is a subgeneric group within the genus ''Formica'', first proposed by William Morton Wheeler. This group contains the mound-building species of ''Formica'' commonly termed "wood ants" or "thatch-mound ants", which build prominent nests consisting of a mound of grass, litter, or conifer needles. The species ''Formica rufa'' or the red wood ant is the type species of this subgroup. This particular group can inhabit open deciduous woodlands, dense pine forests, and even moorland. Workers vary in size, the largest reaching about long. They can produce formic acid in their abdomens and eject it in the air when threatened.Dr Timothy BatcheloMsu.edu - Southern red wood ant Formica rufa/ref> The only function of males is to mate in flight with queens. Species previously attributed to the ''Microgyna'' group were transferred to the '' F. rufa'' group by the Wheelers in 1986. Colonies The genetic relationships in ''F. rufa'' group colonies can be complex. Co ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
