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Scientific Name Formica impexa Habitat In Alberta have only been found along the bank of the Athabasca River. Seasonality Found through May to September. Identification

Workers are ~3.3-6.0 mm in length and head and thorax are red and the abdomen is black (Wheeler, 1905). The epinotum of this species is very low and the erect hairs on the first gastric tergite are very evenly spaced…

Workers are ~3.3-6.0 mm in length and head and thorax are red and the abdomen is black (Wheeler, 1905). The epinotum of this species is very low and the erect hairs on the first gastric tergite are very evenly spaced (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1963). The femora and tibiae of Formica impexa along with the antennal scape lack erect hairs.

Read More + Life History

Are temporary social parasites of other Formica species (Fisher and Cover, 2007). New mated queens invade host nests, kill the queen and take over the nest as the host workers queen, however, unlike Polyergus or some…

Are temporary social parasites of other Formica species (Fisher and Cover, 2007). New mated queens invade host nests, kill the queen and take over the nest as the host workers queen, however, unlike Polyergus or some sanguinea group Formica, they do not raid for slaves, and nests of Formica impexa once mature will have no other ant species in it (Wheeler and Wheeler, 1913 and Fisher and Cover, 2007).

Read More + Conservation Not of concern. Diet Info Omnivorous but are also above ground aphid farmers. Range Ranges across most of western North America, (Wheeler, 1913).