Formicoxenus quebecensis
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.
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.
