SeasonalityFound through May to September.IdentificationWorkers are ~4.0-8.0 mm in length, have a red head and thorax with a black gaster (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963). The dorsum is entirely lacking erect hairs, has a board head and the petiolar scale ends in a sharp crest. The clypeus also has a median notch, the declivous face of the epinotum descends at an obtuse angle (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Scientific NameFormica aservaHabitat
Favors forested and open-forest areas but will also nest in grasslands (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1973). In Alberta this ant is found in almost every region of the province.
Seasonality
Found through May to September.
Identification
Workers are ~4.0-8.0 mm in length, have a red head and thorax with a black gaster (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963). The dorsum is entirely lacking erect hairs, has a board head and the petiolar scale ends in a sharp…
Workers are ~4.0-8.0 mm in length, have a red head and thorax with a black gaster (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963). The dorsum is entirely lacking erect hairs, has a board head and the petiolar scale ends in a sharp crest. The clypeus also has a median notch, the declivous face of the epinotum descends at an obtuse angle (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Life History
A facultative slave making ant of numerous Fusca group Formica species but will also nest without slaves (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Conservation
Not of concern.
Diet Info
Omnivorous, but are common insect predators, will also tend aphids and membrachid nymphs (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Range
Found from Alaska to Labrador, and south to Virginia and Kansas (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963).
Notes
Was once classified as Formica sanguinea subna (Wheeler).
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Citation
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Page Citation for Formica aserva
Page Citation
"Species Details - Formica aserva, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-38596. Accessed 02 Apr. 2025.
Specimen Information
There are 9 specimens of this Species.
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9 results plotted on map in 5 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.