Diplorhoptrum fugax, Mayr, Mayr

Collingwood, C. A., 1979, The Formicidae (Hymenoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark., Fauna Entomologica Scandinavica 8, pp. 1-174 : 64-65

15. Diplorhoptrum fugax (Latreille, 1798)

Figs. 84-87.

Formica fugax Latreille , 1798:46.

Worker. Yellow to brownish yellow; sides of head slightly curved. Body and appendages with numerous hairs, head and alitrunk distinctly punctulate but shining. Projecting clypeal teeth short but distinct. Length 1.5-3 mm.

Queen. Blackish brown with punctulate sculpture, very shining. Body and appendages very hairy. Wings slightly fuscous. Length 6-6.5 mm.

Male. Black shining with finely rugose sculpture. Length: 4-4.8 mm.

Distribution. Rare, only recorded from Sk., Ol. and Gtl. in Sweden. - Recorded mainly along the coast in South England from Essex to Cornwall. - Range: Spain to Urals, Italy to Sweden.

Biology. This species lives in populous colonies often deep in the ground or under large stones and is seldom seen above ground. It is often associated with larger Formica and Lasius species predating on their brood, but nests also occur in isolation. It is mainly predatory and carnivorous but has also been recorded attending root aphids. This ant is aggressive and despite its small size will attack other ants and sting fiercely. Queens and males are very large relative to the workers and are found in August and September with flights occurring on warm days in September.