Formica battle

Formica battle

181
Adult Worker Ant
181

    Jul 06, 2015#1

    Over the past week I was collecting ants in eastern Alabama near Auburn on my parent's land.  I was in a mesic, wooded area when I lifted up a stone and found a nest of what I believe was Formica pallidefulva.   I collected several specimens and a few males, which were totally honey colored from head to gaster.  I also noticed that the nest species were battling a few black species.  I assumed they were Camponotus that had wondered too close, but when I got them under the microscope I saw they were also Formica.  My guess is Formica subsericea as they are the only black colored species I could find listed on the Mississippi Entomology keys for Alabama.  When I reflect back on the collections I was making I did notice similar black specimens running about the leaf litter, but I was never quick enough to capture the few I saw before they disappeared in the leaf litter.

    If my guesses are correct, is the battling between the species normal?  Does F. subsericea actually invade the nest of other Formica?  I was unable to find much information on them on the ant sites I visit.



    Another question.  I also observed Phorid flys attacking a wounded Camponotus americanus, who in return was definitely aggravated by the dive bombing flies.  My question is if there are native Phorid flies to the US?  I know Auburn University released a few species from South America to this area to battle fire ants, and was just curious.

    5,02111
    Soldier/Moderator Ant
    5,02111

      Jul 06, 2015#2

      The battle most likely originated following your "upsetting the apple cart". Battles between these two species are so rare that I can say I've never seen one in 45 years of ant-watching.

      And yes, there are native phorids that parasitize native ants. The USDA/university-released phorids are host-specialists on fire ants originally from South America.

      181
      Adult Worker Ant
      181

        Jul 06, 2015#3

        Thanks for the quick reply and information Doctorant!