Formica vagans, Jerdon, T. C., 1851

Jerdon, T. C., 1851, A catalogue of the species of ants found in southern India., Madras Journal of Literature and Science 17, pp. 103-127 : 124

41, Formica vagans , N. S.

Worker, 3 - 24 th inch long, eyes large, medial; antennae long; abdominal pedicle raised rounded; legs very long.

Female, 3 - 12 th inch long; the thorax shorter and wider, and abdomen very large, wings reaching beyond, the abdomen.

This little Ant is exceedingly common in the Carnatic, but I have not yet seen it on the Malabar Coast. It takes up its quarters in any sheltered spot in a house, under a box, a stone, a hole in the wall, or such like places, and when disturbed flits with great speed to another suitable spot. Its society is very numerous in individuals and there are many females and males, sometimes with, at other times without wings. It feeds both on vegetable and animal substances preferring the former like all the true Formica .