Forelius pruinosus

Distribution

Forelius pruinosus ants live in the United States, Cuba and Mexico, where they exist in northern portions of the U.S., and their range could possibly extend further into South America. In Mexico, they live in a broad range of habitats and can be found in desert regions, grasslands and various sorts of woodland. They also nest under stones, but they usually prefer to nest in soil instead. Fields, meadows and pastures are ideal habitats for the species, and they will colonise woodland areas that are more open spaced. Methyl-n-amyl ketone chemicals are said to be marked on foraging tracks by these ants. These ants thrive in hot weather and dry conditions, and they are mostly active when it is hot, and will not forage during the night possibly because of cooler temperatures.

Behaviour

Reproductive alates during nuptial flight were recorded from May to August, and colonies of this species are polygyne, which means they have multiple queens, but colonies are usually small to moderately large in size. They forage for insects and tends to Hemiptera; they also feed on flower nectar. In the Gulf Coast, these ants are considered a household pest, where they nest in homes and invade houses.