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ESTABLISHMENT OF A PREDACIOUS RED WOOD ANT, FORMICA OBSCURIPES (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE), FROM MANITOBA TO EASTERN CANADA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

R. J. Finnegan
Affiliation:
Laurentian Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, Sainte-Foy, Quebec

Abstract

The important species of predacious ants in Europe and North America belonging to the Formica rufa L. group, and their association with forest insects, is discussed. The absence of desirable species in Quebec is stated, and a brief description of an aggressive western North American species (F. obscuripes Forel) is given. The method used in collecting large colonies of this species in Manitoba, of transportation to Quebec, and of the eventual release and establishment is described. It is concluded that F. obscuripes is increasing in number in Quebec, and should be considered as permanently established.

Résumé

L’importance des fourmis prédatrices du groupe Formica rufa L. en Europe et Amérique du nord, et leur association avec les insectes forestières sont discutées. L’absence d’espèce désirable pour la lutte biologique au Québec est indiquée, et une brève description d’une espèce agressive de l’ouest du continent Nord américain (F. obscuripes Forel), est présentée. La récolte de F. obscuripes au Manitoba, son transport au Québec, et son relâchement et établissement dans les fôrets québecoises sont decrits. On constate que la reproduction et la dispersion de l’espèce au Québec sont assurées.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1977

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