Formica dirksi
Dirks Field Ant
Formica dirksi is a tiny species known only from a queen collected in 1946, not seen since. We consider this species Critically Endangered, as a result of the lack of records for this species and their habitat disappearing. We recommend urgent focus on habitat restoration for them, and their host species, Formica subaenescens (LC).
Species Profile
Formica dirksi is a species known only from a queen found once in 1946. The queen was in a colony full of hosts of Formica subaenescens. The colony was living in a dead stump in the clearing of a mixed forest.
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. The fact that there have been no records since 1946 is extremely concerning.
Habitat
The colony was noted from the edge of a small clearing in a mixed forest, with mostly coniferous trees. The host colony (F. subaenescens) was nesting in a partially decayed stump. This species probably inhabits forest clearings primarily, but not closed forests. The host species doesn't thrive in closed forests either.
Range
Described from Maine and has not been found since. It was found along Route 161 somewhere between Fort Kent and Isle Pasque.
Environmental Significance
Unknown. This species may be functionally extinct from much of its range.
Recommended Action
We recommend locating this species and creating forest clearings near the population. This species probably needs a variety of plants in the understory to survive.