Genus Formicoxenus Mayr ^HNS

A single species, F. diversipilosus (M. Smith) ^HNS occurs in northern California, where it lives as a “guest-ant” in the mound nests of species in the Formica rufa-group ^HNS, such as F integroides Wheeler ^HNS and F obscuripes Forel ^HNS. Colonies of Formicoxenus ^HNS occupy dead twigs within the larger mound nests, and apparently scavenge organic material gathered by the host ant. References: Alpert and Akre (1973), Bolton (2003), Buschinger (1979a), Francoeur et al. (1985), Lenoir et al. (1997), Smith (1939c), Snelling (1965a).