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[Stubyvast]

Hello all!

I've been very curious about this species of ant in my backyard, which I am positive is formica. However, although I discussed this with one myrmecologist on inaturalist, I am unsure which species specifically. Apparently it's also a nightmare trying to identify formica, so give it your best guess. I'm guessing formica pacifica. If you're wondering about my location, just check my profile (I also posted these pics on the ant photography thread, sorry for the redundancy). Thanks!

 

Clearly, this species farms aphids or mealybugs.

 

 

Hopefully you guys can figure this out! Thanks for your help!

 

 

[Artisan_Ants]

I believe you are right indeed. This is F. pacifica which is on the fusca group like you mentioned. Notice how the scape of this worker is longer and thinner unlike bulky and larger F. aerata’s scape (it’s scape’s angle make it’s head look bigger unlike F. pacifica). I also believe F. aerata is less abundant than F. pacifica and occurs at fairly high elevation at times.