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Photo#723729
Black Ant, Formica subsericea;  tending black locust treehopper, Vanduzea arquata - Formica subsericea

Black Ant, Formica subsericea; tending black locust treehopper, Vanduzea arquata - Formica subsericea
Shenandoah National Park, Warren County, Virginia, USA
September 3, 2005
Black Ant species (Formica subsericea) tending black locust treehopper, Vanduzea arquata, there were many Alleghany Mound Ants, Formica exsectoides also tending the same treehoppers. The much larger AMA tolerated the smaller black ant species - is there a relationship? - Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, AntAM63403.CR2

Moved
This species is sometimes a temporary host of other Formica species queens during colony foundation. The others may also take over their mounds and displace F. subsericea, but there can be a short period of coexistence in the nest of the two species.

 
Thanks so much
James - Thanks so much for the id and natural history information - neat stuff - happy thanks giving - Ann and Rob

Moved for expert attention
Moved from ID Request.