Subfamily MYRMICINAE
Tribe STENAMMINI
Aphaenogaster flemingi Smith

Introduction
Ants in the genus Aphaenogaster are medium sized to large, slender with long legs and antennae, usually have propodeal spines (a few species lack spines), have 12 segmented antennae with the last 4 segments forming a weak club. The genus is widespread in North America and species nest in rotting wood, under bark, and in soil.

Identification
This average sized Aphaenogaster species can be distinguished by its yellowish-brown coloration, weak sculpture (especially on the pronotal dorsum), and long slender propodeal spines.

Biology and Economic Importance
In AL and MS, Aphaenogaster flemingi is an uncommonly collected ant with the only recent collection in a Black Belt Prairie remnant.

Although this species has the potential to sting, it is unlikely to pose any serious threat due to its non-aggressive behavior. Furthermore, because it appears to prefer relatively undisturbed habitats, it is unlikely to be a nuisance pest in urban areas.

Distribution
In the Southeast, this species has been found in FL, LA, MS, NC, SC. Smith (1979) also mentions that it is known from KY.

Literature Cited
Smith, D. R. 1979. In Catalog of Hymenoptera in America north of Mexico. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D. C. Vol. 2, pp. 1323-1427.

Links
AntWeb Images