Formica indianensis
Indiana Field Ant
Formica indianensis was last known from a collection in 1935 in Jasper, Indiana. The exact type locality is not known and has probably been developed since. We consider this species Critically Endangered due to the lack of records and habitat loss. We recommend habitat restoration if rediscovered.
Species Profile
Formica indianensis has only been found in northwestern Indiana. It's known from a grassy field near Jasper, IN, collected in 1935. Since then, it has not been recorded.
Life History
The life history of this species is likely similar to other species in the Formica microgyna group, where small queens infiltrate colonies of their hosts, kill the resident queen, and begin their own colony using the workforce. Colonies likely forage throughout the prairies.
Habitat
The colony was noted from a grassy field in Jasper, IN. The colony was reported to be a large nest under a stone, lined with dry grass.
Range
Described from the collection in northwestern Indiana and not recorded since.
Environmental Significance
Unknown. This species may be functionally extinct from much of its range.
Recommended Action
We recommend locating this species and restoring prairie/field habitat nearby. This species probably needs a variety of plants to support colonies, and their hosts (which are unknown). The first action should be locating a surviving population, and then expansion of their (likely small) habitat.