Formicoxenus quebecensis
VU

Formicoxenus quebecensis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formicoxenus_quebecensis

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Formicoxenus quebecensis faces severe threats from habitat fragmentation and loss of old-growth boreal forests, which disrupts the complex ecological relationships this socially parasitic ant requires with its host species. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and abundance of host ant colonies, particularly affecting the delicate balance needed for successful parasitic relationships. The species' highly specialized lifestyle and limited dispersal ability make it extremely vulnerable to environmental changes that affect host availability.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits mature boreal and mixed forests of eastern North America, particularly in areas with well-established ant colonies that serve as hosts. It requires complex forest ecosystems with specific microhabitat conditions that support both the parasitic ant and its host species.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Formicoxenus quebecensis classified as Vulnerable?
Formicoxenus quebecensis is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Formicoxenus quebecensis faces severe threats from habitat fragmentation and loss of old-growth boreal forests, which disrupts the complex ecological relationships this socially parasitic ant requires with its host species. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and abundance of host ant colonies, particularly affecting the delicate balance needed for successful parasitic relationships. The species' highly specialized lifestyle and limited dispersal ability make it extremely vulnerable to environmental changes that affect host availability.
Where does Formicoxenus quebecensis live?
Formicoxenus quebecensis occurs in Canada, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Formicoxenus quebecensis?
The main threats to Formicoxenus quebecensis are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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