Formica paralugubris
| Formica paralugubris | |
|---|---|
| |
| Queen - specimen type (FoCol0762) 1 | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Formicinae |
| Genus: | Formica |
| Species: | F. paralugubris
|
| Binomial name | |
| Formica paralugubris Seifert, 1996
| |
Formica paralugubris is a species of ant. It is a member of the
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.[1]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.[2]
Ecology
Nestmates within a F. paralugubris colony can recognize each other.[1] F. paralugubris worker ants are known to collect conifer resin and place near their brood; this resin contains antimicrobial properties[3] that the ants often modify by releasing formic acid onto the resin. Formic acid in combination with resin has antifungal properties.[4]
References
- ^ . Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ Seifert, Bernhard (February 16, 2015). "The supercolonial European wood ant Formica paralugubris SEIFERT, 1996 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) introduced to Canada and its predicted role in Nearctic forests" (PDF). Myrmecological News. 22. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- PMID 17535794.
- PMID 28405288.