Formica dolosa specimen. Contributed by Erin Prado.
Formica dolosa ants defending their patch of Porcelain Berry from a Naupactus weevil in Montgomery Co., Maryland (8/26/2016). Determined by James C. Trager/BugGuide.
A Formica dolosa in Washington Co., Maryland (8/19/2018). Determined by James C. Trager/BugGuide.
Map Snapshot
7 Records
Status
On average, the largest member of the Formica pallidefulva species group, Formica dolosa is a wary, fast-running orange ant found in dry, infertile habitats, like pine barrens, dry grasslands and prairies, ridgetops, and other similar habitats with acidic, poor soils. In wetter habitats, it is often replaced by other members of the pallidefulva species group (Trager, 2007).
Relationships
This species may occasionally be a host of Formica pergandei (Trager, 2007). In New England and the upper Midwest, and also in the Southeast, it is the host species of two newly-described, allopatric Polyergus species. Any Polyergus found with dolosa in Maryland should be intensely scrutinized, as they would constitute a range extension for one of the two species.
Seasonality Snapshot
Use of media featured on Maryland Biodiversity Project is only permitted with express permission of the photographer.
Formica dolosa ants defending their patch of Porcelain Berry from a Naupactus weevil in Montgomery Co., Maryland (8/26/2016). Determined by James C. Trager/BugGuide.
View Record Details
Media by
Steve Scholnick.
A Formica dolosa in Washington Co., Maryland (8/19/2018). Determined by James C. Trager/BugGuide.
View Record Details
Media by
Jim Moore.
A Formica dolosa in Howard Co., Maryland (4/26/2014).
Media by
Tim Foard.