Formica pacifica

Formica pacifica is an ant species occupying the Pacific Coast of the United States and British Columbia, Canada.[1] This species is a member of the Formica fusca species group. Workers are quite fast and aggressive. This species engages in wars with neighboring colonies. F. pacifica is present in both forests and human settlements. Colonies of this species can grow up to a few thousand workers.

Formica pacifica
F. pacifica worker from United States
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Formicidae
Subfamily:
Formicinae
Genus:
Formica
Species:
F. pacifica
Binomial name
Formica pacifica
Francoeur, 1973

Reproduction

Mature colonies take nuptial flights in mid-June to late August. Fertile dealate queens sometimes do not begin the egg-laying process until after their first hibernation.

Nesting

This species prefers to build their nests in soil under rocks or other firm objects. Nest entrances can be quiet and unnoticeable, while some are marked with the soil or excavated objects from their nest.

References
  1. Robert J. Higgins & B. Staffan Lindgren (January 2008). "Ants of British Columbia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)" (PDF). University of British Columbia.


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