microgyna group

Classification · Remarks · Works Cited

First [i]microgyna[/i] group species in the guide - Formica difficilis - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)

No Taxon (Aculeata - Bees, Ants, and Stinging Wasps)

Superfamily Vespoidea (Ants, Stinging Wasps, and Hornets)

Family Formicidae (Ants)

Subfamily Formicinae

Tribe Formicini

Genus Formica (Wood ants, mound ants, & field ants)

No Taxon microgyna group

Remarks

"Species of this group are believed to be temporary social parasites of other species of Formica. The female in some way is adopted by workers of the host species. Host workers may remain in the colony after the intruding queen has established her own brood, but the host workers eventually die. Most species are found in open woods or meadows. The nests are usually of the thatch type, but the thatching is normally scattered about the nest openings and appears as a flattened disc." (1)

Works Cited

1.	Catalog of Hymenoptera in America North of Mexico By Karl V. Krombein, Paul D. Hurd, Jr., David R. Smith, and B. D. Burks

Contributed by Charley Eiseman on 17 March, 2010 - 8:30pm

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