I know formica identification is very hard, but i wanted to put this out there to see if any light could be shed on it. If you all need any more pictures, i can try to get them, although she is very jumpy. i don't need an exact species if that is not possible, just the options it could be
1. Iowa
2. Date of collection: 7/9/22
3. Habitat of collection: gas station
4. Length (from head to gaster): 8mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: shiny blackish head and abdomen(with faint reddish lines), with a shiny red thorax(the top has a bright red orange patch, the rest is a duller red). the legs are also a reddish orange
6. Distinguishing characteristics:
7. Distinguishing behavior: very jumpy and hates light
8. Nest description: n/a
9. Nuptial flight time and date: n/a
Edited by Ants_Dakota, July 17 2022 - 1:24 PM.