''Formica subsericea'', colloquially known as the black field ant, is a species of
ant in the genus ''
Formica''.
It is found in the eastern
United States and
Canada. Workers of this species are incredibly fast and quite timid. Workers of this species are commonly found working as slaves in ''
Polyergus'' colonies.
Nuptial flights typically occur in July or August. It is often confused with another ''Formica'' species, ''
Formica fusca
''Formica fusca'' is a black-colored ant commonly found throughout Europe as well as parts of Southern Asia and Africa. It has the common names silky ant or dusky ant. The range within the palaearctic region extends from Portugal in the west ...
''.
The larvae of Microdon megalogaster, a member of the ant fly genus, have been observed in the nests of these ants. The
Inquiline relationship of these fly larvae is not well understood.
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References
External links
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subsericea
Hymenoptera of North America
Insects described in 1836
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