Canadian Forest Service Publications
Introduction of a predacious red wood ant, Formica lugubris (Hymenoptera : Formicidae) from Italy to Eastern Canada. 1975. Finnegan, R.J. The Canadian Entomologist 107: 1271-1274.
Year: 1975
Issued by: Laurentian Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 15176
Language: English
Availability: PDF (request by e-mail)
Abstract
A brief history of the importance attributed to red wood ants in Europe and the outstanding qualities of three species, Formica lugubris Zett., F. polyctena (Foerst.), and F. aquilonia Yarr., are presented. The reasons for choosing F. lugubris as a suitable species for introduction to Canada are given. The collecting in Italy, shipping by air to Canada, and eventual release in Quebec is discussed. In conclusion it is stated that the establishment and acclimatization of this species in Quebec was successful, and that increased reproduction and spread is anticipated.