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.
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.