Canadian Forest Service Publications
Diurnal foraging activity of Formica sublucida, F. sanguinea subnuda, and F. fossaceps (Hymenoptera : Formicidae) in Quebec. 1973. Finnegan, R.J. The Canadian Entomologist 105: 441-444.
Year: 1973
Issued by: Laurentian Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 15169
Language: English
Availability: PDF (request by e-mail)
Abstract
Laboratory nests of Formica sublucida Wheeler, F. sanguinea subnuda Emery, and F. fossaceps Buren were used to determine the foraging activity of these three species by accurate hourly measurements, day and night, for three summer seasons. Soil temperature in each nest was thermostatically controlled and maintained at 50°, 60°, and 70°F.
The species foraged day and night, with a peak of activity in late morning and mid-afternoon. Increasing soil temperature resulted in an increase in foraging; barometric pressure and relative humidity had no apparent effect.