Genus Forelius Emery ^HNS

These are hyperactive, thermophilic, ground-nesting ants, with two species ( F. mccooki ^HNS and F. pruinosus ^HNS) in California. Colonies are polygynous, and the workers have conspicuous foraging trails. Some nest series consist of individuals phenotypically intermediate between F mccooki ^HNS and F pruinosus ^HNS, indicating the possibility of introgression between the two forms. Taxonomic difficulties with the group have been discussed previously (under “Taxonomic Changes”).

Species identification: key in Wheeler and Wheeler (1986g). Additional references: Cuezzo (2000), Holway et al. (2002), Scheffrahn et al. (1984), Shattuck (1992c), Snelling and George (1979), Yensen et al. (1980).