Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America
Identification
mandible triangular, with 5 or 6 teeth (rarely 7); in dorsal view, mesonotum severely constricted giving the mesosoma a distinctive hourglass-like shape; dorsal surface of mesosoma smooth and very shiny
head, thorax, and abdomen very dark brown; legs and antennae of live specimens medium brown at base, smoothly shading to pale yellow at tips (this color arrangement gives the overall impression of an insect that is very dark in the middle, and very pale at the extremities)
Range
most of the United States, plus southern Ontario and Mexico
Habitat
usually nest in the soil in exposed situations or occasionally under a rock
Season
often build their nests deep underground staying inactive during the summer months, and returning to activity when the weather cools
Food
workers feed on honeydew but also eat secretions of floral and extrafloral nectaries, exudates from galls, earthworms, arthropods, and ripened or decaying fruit
Life Cycle
males and females overwinter in the underground nest and are among the first of ants to take their nuptial flights in the spring
Remarks
One of the few ants specialized for cold temperature foraging; they can be found foraging even at freezing temperatures, where they are often the only ants visibly active. However, their range does not extend into the far north, despite their cold tolerance.
See Also
viewing Prenolepis from above should immediately reveal the distinctive hourglass-shaped mesosoma, a distinguishing feature of the genus
Internet References
overview of genus and the single nearctic species (Kye Hedlund, U. of North Carolina)
close-up images of pinned adults from various angles (AntWeb, California Academy of Sciences)
pinned adult image plus several comparison thumbnail images of other genera (AntWeb, California Academy of Sciences)
pinned adult image (Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota)
pinned adult images (Tim Linsvayer, Carleton College, Minnesota)
