Research Article |
Corresponding author: Kaloyan Ivanov ( kal.ivanov@vmnh.virginia.gov ) Academic editor: Francisco Hita Garcia
© 2019 Kaloyan Ivanov.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Ivanov K (2019) The ants of Ohio (Hymenoptera, Formicidae): an updated checklist. Journal of Hymenoptera Research 70: 65-87. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.70.35207
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I update the last published list of Ohio ants to include 26 new species records and 38 name changes in species already on the list based on literature records, institutional collections, and contemporary collections made by the author or colleagues. At present, 143 species and morphospecies representing 30 native and 5 exotic genera and 7 subfamilies have been recorded for the state. Another seven species are removed from the Ohio ant fauna as they represent distribution anomalies, or are based on erroneous records. Known distribution data suggest that there is still a considerable potential for the discovery of more ant taxa in Ohio.
ant diversity, new records, distribution, eastern United States, Nearctic
In 2005, Coovert published the first comprehensive account of the ant fauna of Ohio and listed 118 species and subspecies from the state based on literature, museum records, and extensive collecting in the state in the period 1996–2002 (
In the past fourteen years, a substantial amount of information from survey work, biodiversity and ecological studies, and taxonomic revisions (
Data reported herein are based on information gathered from the following sources: 1) review of published records; 2) examination of materials in the collections of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Virginia Museum of Natural History; 3) online records from digitized personal and museum collections, iDigBio (https://www.idigbio.org/), SCAN (http://scanbugs.org/portal), and AntWeb (https://antweb.org/); and 4) newly collected material.
Abbreviations of entomological collections used in this study are as follows:
MEM Mississippi Entomological Museum, Starkville, Mississippi.
OSUC C.A. Triplehorn Insect Collection at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
TTU-Z Texas Tech University Invertebrate Collection, Lubbock, Texas.
UAIC University of Arizona Insect Collection, Tucson, Arizona.
UCMC University of Colorado Museum of Natural History Insect Collection, Boulder, Colorado.
To the best of my knowledge, all species names presented herein are the currently valid names according to the fourth edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (
The species included in this checklist can be identified using the keys in
In the species accounts presented herein, all taxa are listed alphabetically by subfamily, tribe, genus, and species. County-level distributions (new data in bold) are provided only for the published Ohio records not appearing in
Appended is a list of questionable Ohio records based on published accounts or unpublished records appearing in online databases. These taxa are excluded from the Ohio fauna as they are based on erroneous records, mislabeled specimens, or misidentifications.
A total of 143 species and morphospecies representing 30 native and 5 exotic genera and 7 subfamilies comprise the known ant fauna of Ohio, USA. These include 26 additions to the checklist provided in
Ohio’s ant fauna is dominated by cool-climate Camponotus, Formica, Lasius, and Myrmica, whereas taxa with austral affinities are largely restricted to the southern, unglaciated region of the state. The overall composition of Ohio’s myrmecofauna much resembles that of other Midwestern and northeastern states for which contemporary checklists exist (e.g., Indiana (
Taxonomic composition of Ohio’s ant fauna. Genera are ordered by the total number of (morpho-)species in each. Superscript E denotes exotic genera.
Genus | Number of species | % of Ohio fauna | Genus | Number of species | % of Ohio fauna |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Formica | 26 | 18.2 | Tapinoma | 2 | 1.4 |
Strumigenys | 15 | 10.5 | Brachymyrmex | 1 | 0.7 |
Myrmica | 11 | 7.7 | E Brachyponera | 1 | 0.7 |
Camponotus | 10 | 7.0 | E Cardiocondyla | 1 | 0.7 |
Lasius | 10 | 7.0 | Dorymyrmex | 1 | 0.7 |
Temnothorax | 10 | 7.0 | Forelius | 1 | 0.7 |
Aphaenogaster | 7 | 4.9 | Harpagoxenus | 1 | 0.7 |
Nylanderia | 6 | 4.2 | Leptothorax | 1 | 0.7 |
Pheidole | 5 | 3.5 | E Linepithema | 1 | 0.7 |
Stenamma | 4 | 2.8 | Myrmecina | 1 | 0.7 |
Crematogaster | 3 | 2.1 | Neivamyrmex | 1 | 0.7 |
Dolichoderus | 3 | 2.1 | E Paratrechina | 1 | 0.7 |
Proceratium | 3 | 2.1 | Polyergus | 1 | 0.7 |
Solenopsis | 3 | 2.1 | Ponera | 1 | 0.7 |
E Tetramorium | 3 | 2.1 | Prenolepis | 1 | 0.7 |
Colobopsis | 2 | 1.4 | Stigmatomma | 1 | 0.7 |
Hypoponera | 2 | 1.4 | Trachymyrmex | 1 | 0.7 |
Monomorium | 2 | 1.4 |
Many of Ohio’s ant taxa are widespread, both in the state and in Eastern North America, with nearly a quarter of the species having an essentially statewide distribution. The most widely distributed of these are the forest-dwelling Camponotus pennsylvanicus (De Geer) and Lasius americanus Emery, which have been recorded in all of Ohio’s 88 counties. Other species that have been collected in a large proportion of the state include Lasius neoniger Emery (87 counties), Formica subsericea Say (>80 counties), Formica pallidefulva Latreille (>75 counties), and the non-native Tetramorium immigrans Santschi (>75 counties), (distribution from
Recently,
Although the updated list presented herein likely contains a large proportion of the taxa that exist in the state, there is still a considerable potential for the discovery of more species. There are at least 44 species likely to occur in the state by virtue of their presence in neighboring areas (Appendix
Subfamily Amblyoponinae [1 genus; 1 species]
Tribe Amblyoponini
Stigmatomma Roger
pallipes
(Haldeman). Common, but inconspicuous element of the local fauna throughout Ohio. Under Amblyopone in
Subfamily Dolichoderinae [5 genera; 8 species]
Tribe Dolichoderini
Dolichoderus Lund
plagiatus (Mayr). Widespread.
pustulatus Mayr. Widespread
taschenbergi (Mayr). Champaign and Hocking Cos. in southcentral Ohio. Rare.
Tribe Leptomyrmecini
Dorymyrmex Mayr
grandulus
(Forel). Literature records: Lucas (
Forelius Emery
pruinosus
(Roger). Literature records: Lucas, Preble (
Linepithema Mayr
Ehumile
(Mayr). Ohio’s only confirmed record of this notorious invasive species is from a greenhouse in Cleveland (
Tribe Tapinomini
Tapinoma Foerster
*, Emelanocephalum (Fabricius). Literature records: Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin (
sessile (Say). Statewide and in most habitats including disturbed sites and inside buildings.
Subfamily Dorylinae [1 genus; 1 species]
Neivamyrmex Borgmeier
carolinensis
(Emery). Unspecified Ohio records in M.R.
Subfamily Formicinae [9 genera; 58 species]
Tribe Camponotini
Camponotus Mayr
americanus
Mayr. Widespread. Majority of the records from unglaciated southern Ohio, with disjunct records from Columbiana, Lucas (
caryae (Fitch). Widespread.
castaneus (Latreille). A number of scattered records from southern Ohio, north to Franklin and Muskingum Cos.
chromaiodes Bolton. Statewide.
discolor (Buckley). Gallia and Muskingum Cos. in unglaciated southwestern Ohio. Rare.
*herculeanus (Linnaeus). – Cuyahoga Co. • Cuyahoga Valley National Park; 41.35597N, 81.56847W; alt. 259 m; 18 July 2009; W. & E. Mackay leg.; #23734; nest in solid log; hardwood forest; clay loam soil; W. Mackay det. 2009; MCZENT567833.
nearcticus Emery. Statewide.
novaeboracensis (Fitch). Widespread in northern Ohio, south to Franklin and Greene Cos.
pennsylvanicus (De Geer). Statewide.
subbarbatus Emery. Statewide.
Colobopsis Mayr
impressa Roger. Mahoning (CMNHENT39502), Warren (K. Campbell unpublished data; pers. comm., February 2019). Previously reported from Henry and Muskingum Cos. Rare.
mississippiensis (Smith, M.R.). This infrequently collected arboreal species is known from only a few scattered Ohio sites.
Tribe Formicini
Formica Linnaeus
argentea Wheeler, W.M. Cuyahoga, Ottawa, Richland (MCZENT551348, MCZENT551349, MCZENT551350, MCZENT551351, MCZENT551352, MCZENT551353, MCZENT551354, MCZENT551355, MCZENT551400, MCZENT551401, MCZENT551402, MCZENT551410, MCZENT551411, MCZENT551412, MCZENT551413). Until now, this species was only know Summit Co. in the northeastern part of the state. Rare.
aserva Forel. Geauga (VMNH110555; in a mixed colony with host F. glacialis Wheeler, W.M). Until present, this northern dulotic species was only known from neighboring Ashtabula Co. in the extreme northeastern part of the state. Rare.
dakotensis Emery. Scattered records from glaciated western Ohio.
difficilis
Emery. Single record from Jackson Co. in southcentral Ohio (
dolosa
Buren. Scattered sites throughout Ohio. Records under Formica schaufussi Mayr in
exsectoides Forel. Statewide.
glacialis Wheeler, W.M. Widespread in glaciated northern Ohio, south to Champaign and Madison Cos.
*gynocrates Snelling, R.R. & Buren. Literature records: Lucas (
*incerta Buren. Ashland, Ashtabula, Athens, Erie, Geauga, Hardin, Huron, Madison, Morgan, Summit (CMNHENT40013, CMNHENT40014, CMNHENT40015, CMNHENT40016, CMNHENT40017, CMNHENT40018, CMNHENT40019, CMNHENT40259, MCZENT672736, MCZENT672737, VMNH110556, VMNH110557, VMNH110558, VMNH110575, VMNH110576, VMNH110597, VMNH110601, VMNH110602). Literature records: Adams, Ashtabula, Butler, Champaign, Delaware, Hamilton, Hocking, Jackson, Lucas, Montgomery, Seneca, Wyandot (
integra Nylander. Widespread with majority of the records from unglaciated southern Ohio.
lasioides Emery. Fulton and Lucas Cos. in northwestern Ohio. Rare
montana Wheeler, W.M. Few sites in northcentral Ohio, south to Madison Co.
neogagates Viereck. Scattered sites across northeastern Ohio.
obscuriventris Mayr. Few disjunct sites in extreme northern (Lucas Co.) and southern (Adams, Pike, and Scioto Cos.) Ohio in areas with the appropriate combination of dense woodlands and adjacent open prairie remnants and pastures.
pallidefulva
Latreille. Statewide. Distribution of this widespread species in Ohio is confounded with F. incerta (see comments under incerta). A number of records under F. nitidiventris in
pergandei Emery. Few scattered sites in southern and northwestern Ohio.
*podzolica Francoeur. – Summit Co. • 30.57 km SW of Richfield; 41.20992N, 81.66797W; alt. 354 m, 26 July 2007; W. & E. Mackay leg.; W. Mackay det.; MEM221118.
postoculata Kennedy & Dennis. Butler and Hocking Cos. Rare
prociliata Kennedy & Dennis. In Ohio, this species is only known from Ottawa Co. (including type locality) in the extreme northern part of the state. Rare. It is a known inhabitant of glaciated tallgrass prairies and prairie remnants of the upper Midwest.
querquetulana Kennedy & Dennis. Few disjunct sites in extreme southern and northern Ohio where the appropriate combination of open oak woodlands, oak savannas, and associated prairie clearings occurs.
rubicunda Emery. Glaciated western Ohio, and just into the adjacent unglaciated area.
*subaenescens Emery. Literature records: Lucas (
subintegra Wheeler, W.M. Statewide. This dulotic species is found throughout Ohio along with Formica fusca-group hosts.
subsericea Say. Statewide.
ulkei Emery. Widespread in northern Ohio.
vinculans Wheeler, W.M. Scattered sites in glaciated western Ohio, and just into the adjacent unglaciated area.
Polyergus Latreille
lucidus Mayr. This dulotic species is known from few scattered Ohio sites along with host F. incerta.
Tribe Lasiini
Lasius Fabricius
americanus
Emery. Statewide. Records under L. alienus (Foerster) in
aphidicola
(Walsh). Statewide. Records under L. umbratus (Nylander) in
brevicornis Emery. Fairfield (OSUC53785, OSUC53786, OSUS53787, OSUC53788). Literature records: Lucas, Montgomery (
claviger
(Roger). Widespread with majority of the records from glaciated western Ohio. Under Acanthomyops in
interjectus
Mayr. Known from a number of scattered Ohio sites, predominantly in the western, glaciated, part of the state. Under Acanthomyops in
latipes
(Walsh). – Greene Co. • Wright State University Woods; 39.7836N, 84.0636W; 28 July 1998; G.A. Coovert leg.; G.A.C. 2026 #9; G.A. Coovert det.; OSUC57890. Until now, this species was known only from Lucas Co. in glaciated northwestern Ohio (
minutus Emery. Lucas Co. Rare.
nearcticus Wheeler, W.M. Statewide.
neoniger Emery. Statewide.
speculiventris Emery. Widespread.
Nylanderia Emery
*arenivaga (Wheeler, W.M.). Lucas: Toledo (S. Philpott unpublished data; pers. comm., June 2007). This distinctive yellow Nylanderia is a sand specialist associated with deep sand deposits in dry open areas with sparse vegetation.
faisonensis
(Forel). Widespread. Under Paratrechina in
*, Eflavipes (Smith). Literature records: Cuyahoga, Franklin, Lake, Lucas (
parvula
(Mayr). Widespread with majority of the records from southern Ohio. Under Paratrechina in
*terricola (Buckley). – Cuyahoga Co. • Cleveland, Cleveland State University campus; 41.50236N, 81.67353W; alt. 202 m; 10 May 2007; K. Ivanov leg.; KI1731; single male on bare soil surface; landscaped flower bed surrounded by pavement; urban; VMNH110553. Workers of this species are nearly impossible to separate from those of N. vividula (Nylander) and males are required for proper identification (see
*vividula (Nylander). Cuyahoga (VMNH110554). Literature records: Franklin (
Paratrechina Donisthorpe
*, Elongicornis (Latreille). Literature records: Hamilton (
Prenolepis Mayr
imparis (Say). Statewide.
Tribe Myrmelachistini
Brachymyrmex Mayr
depilis Emery. Statewide but uncommonly collected likely due to small worker and colony size, and its largely subterranean habits. This species has an enormous geographic range and may turn out to represent a complex of sibling species.
Subfamily Myrmicinae [15 genera; 65 species, 3 morphospecies]
Tribe Attini
Pheidole Westwood
bicarinata
Mayr. Few disjunct sites in extreme northern (Lucas Co.;
E
bilimeki
Mayr. The single Ohio record of this introduced species is from a greenhouse in Franklin Co. (
*dentata Mayr. – Franklin Co. • Columbus; 7 Apr. 1916; M.R. Smith leg. Single uncatalogued specimen at
pilifera (Roger). Widespread in southern Ohio.
tysoni
Forel. Hocking, Scioto (VMNH110560, VMNH110561, VMNH110596). Literature records: Butler, Montgomery, Preble (
Strumigenys Smith F.
The perceived rarity of these cryptic litter and soil inhabitants can be explained, at least partly, by the fact that litter extraction techniques historically have been rarely used for the collection of soil and litter dwelling taxa in Ohio. At least some members of this genus (i.e., S. ohioensis Kennedy & Schramm, S. ornata Mayr, S. rostrata Emery) are among the most widespread and commonly encountered ants in the soil and litter layers of eastern deciduous forests. All taxa under Smithistruma in
abdita
Wesson, L.G. & Wesson, R.G. Literature records: Cuyahoga (
bimarginata Wesson, L.G. & Wesson, R.G. Adams Co. Rare.
clypeata
Roger. Literature records: Butler, Montgomery, Preble (
dietrichi Smith, M.R. Few scattered sites throughout Ohio.
*hyalina (Bolton). Cuyahoga, Greene (VMNH110584, VMNH110585, VMNH110586, VMNH110587). Literature records: Ottawa (
*laevinasis Smith, M.R. Greene (VMNH110559). Literature records: Pike (
missouriensis Smith, M.R. Pike Co. Rare.
ohioensis Kennedy & Schramm. Widespread in southern Ohio.
ornata Mayr. Pike Co. Rare.
pergandei Emery. Few scattered sites throughout Ohio.
pilinasis Forel. Pike Co. Rare.
pulchella Emery. Few scattered sites throughout Ohio.
reflexa Wesson, L.G. & Wesson, R.G. Few scattered sites throughout Ohio.
rostrata Emery. Few records from unglaciated southcentral Ohio.
talpa Weber. Few records from unglaciated southcentral Ohio.
Trachymyrmex Forel
septentrionalis (McCook). In Ohio, this wide-ranging fungus-growing ant is known only from Adams and Jackson Cos. in the extreme southern part of the state along the northern fringes of its distribution. Rare.
Tribe Crematogastrini
Cardiocondyla Emery
*, Eobscurior Wheeler, W.M. Literature records: Hamilton (
Crematogaster Lund
cerasi (Fitch). Statewide.
lineolata (Say). Statewide.
pilosa Emery. Widespread in southcentral Ohio, north to Fairfield Co.
Harpagoxenus Forel
*canadensis Smith, M.R. – Jackson Co. • 1938; L.G. Wesson leg.; FMNHINS113834. In Ohio, this boreal dulotic species is near the southern edge of its known distribution.
Leptothorax Mayr
canadensis
Provancher. Ashtabula, Franklin, Geauga (UCMC94034, UCMC94036, VMNH110562, VMNH11563, VMNH110564). Previously only known from Ashtabula Co. in northernmost Ohio. Rare. Records under L. muscorum (Nylander) in
Myrmecina Curtis
americana Emery. Statewide.
Temnothorax Mayr
All Temnothorax records, except T. americanus (see below), appear under Leptothorax in
ambiguus (Emery). Statewide.
americanus
(Emery). This dulotic species is known from a few scattered Ohio sites along with hosts T. ambiguus, T. curvispinosus (Mayr), and T. longispinosus (Roger). Under Protomognathus in
curvispinosus (Mayr). Statewide.
duloticus (Wesson, L.G.). This rarely collected dulotic species is known from a handful of scattered Ohio sites along with hosts T. ambiguus, T. curvispinosus, and T. longispinosus.
longispinosus (Roger). Statewide.
minutissimus (Smith, M.R.). In Ohio, this rarely collected workerless parasite of T. curvispinosus is known only from Delaware and Franklin Cos. Rare.
pergandei (Emery). Widespread in southern Ohio.
schaumii (Roger). Statewide.
smithi (Baroni Urbani). This species is only known from Hocking and Jackson Cos. in unglaciated southern Ohio along the northern edge of its distribution. Rare.
texanus (Wheeler, W.M.). Several disjunct records from Jackson (south) and Lucas (north) Cos. Rare.
Tetramorium Mayr
E
atratulum
(Schenck). Cuyahoga (CMNHENT40727, CMNHENT40728), Preble (K. Campbell unpublished data; pers. comm., February 2019). Literature records: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga (
*,Ebicarinatum (Nylander). Literature records: Franklin: Columbus, 1931, collector unknown, material at the US National Museum of Natural History (
E
immigrans
Santschi. Statewide. This introduced species is abundant in disturbed habitats and urban settings throughout Ohio, and is also occasionally found indoors. Records under T. caespitum (Linnaeus) in
Tribe Myrmicini
Myrmica Latreille
André Francoeur is working on a much-needed revision of the Nearctic members of this genus and I have chosen to follow his preliminary findings in my species accounts below including the recognition of a few as-yet-undescribed species (see also
americana
Weber. Distribution of this northerly species in Ohio is unclear, confounded with the undescribed and more widely distributed M. AF-eva. True americana appears to be a strict psammophile occurring in glaciated sand communities and probably does not occur outside of them (J. Trager pers. comm.). In Ohio, I have only collected this species in the sparsely vegetated fossil dune ridge of North Kingsville Sand Barrens in Ashtabula Co. in northernmost Ohio (VMNH110565). It likely also occurs in other sand based communities along the coast of Lake Erie in northern Ohio, however, its distribution in the state is much more restricted than indicated in
emeryana
Forel. Distribution of this species in Ohio is unclear, confounded with the undescribed but widespread and abundant M. AF-scu and M. AF-smi. The distribution depicted in
*AF-eva. – Cuyahoga Co. • Cleveland Heights, 3986 Bluestone Rd.; 41.52998N, 82.53670W; 30 Sep. 2004; H. Clebsch leg.; yellow pan traps; CMNHENT0038652. – Hardin Co. • Ada, Ohio Northern University campus; 40.76844N, 83.84341W; alt. 294 m; 8–9 Sep. 2017; A. Brooks & J. Isaak leg.; red pan traps; mowed grass at edge of a small woodlot; VMNH110577 • same collection data as for preceding; VMNH110578. – Hocking Co. • Hocking Hills, Deep Woods farm; 39.40812N, 82.57503W; alt. 215 m; 14 June 2008; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2042; ground foragers; open mowed grass field; VMNH110545. – Madison Co. • OPOTA tactical training center; 39.88028N, 83.48917W; alt. 338 m; 25–26 July 2016; J.B. Keiper leg.; old field; sweeping; VMNH110579 • same collection data as for preceding; VMNH110580. – Summit Co. • Sagamore Hills, Eaton estate; 20 Sep. 2002; M.R. Proffitt leg.; CMNHENT0038653 • Singer Lake Bog; 40.92288N, 81.48720W; alt. 356 m; 9 May 2008; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2019; ground foragers; edge of agricultural field; VMNH110546. This undescribed species is found in dry-mesic to mesic grasslands, pastures, and old fields (Ellison et al. 2012). Historically it has been commonly confused with Myrmica americana.
fracticornis Forel. Statewide, in moist open habitats. Historical records likely confounded with the undescribed M. AF-scu.
*incompleta Provancher. Franklin (OSUC270669; as M. brevinodis Emery, N.F. Johnson det. 1984). Literature records: Adams (
*lobifrons Pergande. – Champaign Co. • Cedar Bog Nature Preserve; 40.05785N, 83.79613W; 27– 28 May 2006; T. Jones leg.; sedge meadow; VMNH110548. – Cuyahoga Co. • Cleveland Metroparks, Acacia Reservation; 41.51039N, 81.49517W; alt. 313 m; 27 May 2013; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2333; sedge meadow; sweeping; VMNH110547. – Stark Co. • Jackson Township, Willow Dale Bog; 22 Sep. 2011; D. Kriska leg.; VMNH110549 • same collection data as for preceding; VMNH110550 • same collection data as for preceding; VMNH110551 • same collection data as for preceding; VMNH110552. In Ohio, this boreal bog-inhabiting species is rarely collected in the northern, glaciated, part of the state.
pinetorum Wheeler, W.M. Statewide.
punctiventris Roger. Statewide.
*AF-scu. – Ashtabula Co. • North Kingsville Sand Barrens; 30 Aug. – 24 Sep. 2007; T. Pucci leg.; Malaise trap; CMNHENT0038834 • same collection data as for preceding; 9– 19 Sep. 2008; VMNH110603 • Pymatuning Creek Fen; 41.56738N, 80.62710W; alt. 298 m; 13 Oct. 2008; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2192; soil nest under plant litter at the base of a small sumac (Rhus sp.); edge of agricultural field; VMNH110598. – Cuyahoga Co. • Strongsville, Cleveland Metroparks, nr. Greenbrier L.; 8 Aug. 2009; T. Pucci leg.; meadow; sweeping; CMNHENT0038835. – Erie Co. • Kelleys Island, Coleman Tract; 2–4 Aug. 2002; B. Coleman leg.; C1; pitfall trap; VMNH110571 • same collection data as for preceding; D2; VMNH110569 • same collection data as for preceding; 6–8 Sep. 2002; D2; VMNH110570 • Castalia, Rockwell Springs Trout Club; 41.39014N, 82.83646W; alt. 194 m; 17 July 2008; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2121; strays in grass litter; open grass field adjacent to riparian woods; VMNH110600 • Castalia, 0.25 mi N intersection Rt. 312 and Vickery Rd.; 41.38979N, 82.84770W; alt. 192 m; 17 July 2008; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2124; ground foragers; managed tallgrass prairie remnant; VMNH110599 – Geauga Co. • Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve; 41.44576N, 81.17723W; alt. 341 m; 21 Apr. 2006; K. Ivanov leg.; KI1228; foragers in grass litter at base of a large oak tree; edge of an open grass field; VMNH110590 • Fern Lake Bog; 41.44026N, 81.17262W; alt. 344 m; 16 May 2007; K. Ivanov leg.; KI1745; soil nest in clay loam under grass litter; edge of tamarack bog; VMNH110589 • Taber Preserve; 18 May 2007; T. Pucci leg.; sweeping; CMNHENT0038833 • Soubusta; 41.57000N, 81.24000W; 28 July 2009; T.H. Webster leg.; scrap wood pile; CMNHENT0038816 – Greene Co. • Wright State University campus; 8 July 2009; B. Doane leg.; tuna baits; VMNH110605. – Madison Co. • OPOTA tactical training center; 39.88028N, 83.48917W; alt. 338 m; 25–26 July 2016; J.B. Keiper leg.; old field; sweeping; VMNH110581 • same collection data as for preceding VMNH110582. – Medina Co. • Wolf Creek Environmental Center; 2 July 2008; T. Pucci leg.; sweeping; CMNHENT0038815. – Ottawa Co. • Winous Point; 24 June 2004; T. Pucci leg.; sweeping; CMNHENT0038814 • Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Young Pond; 41.53649N, 83.00608W; alt. 175 m; 25 July 2008; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2147; ground foragers; open riparian woods; VMNH110568. – Trumbull Co. • Chamberlin Forest; 41.44773N, 80.98881W; alt. 311 m; 5 June 2009; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2201; ground foragers; small grass field surrounded by mesic woods; VMNH110567. – Wyandot Co. • Kildeer Plains Wildlife Area; 40.70234N, 83.24097W; alt. 271 m; 22 May 2009; K. Ivanov leg.; KI2197; ground foragers; open grass and gravel road at the edge of an open mixed mesic woodland; VMNH110591. This undescribed species is found in mesic grasslands, wood’s edges, and open, remnant dry-mesic and mesic woodlands. Historically it has been confused with M. emeryana and M. fracticornis. It is undoubtedly more widespread in the state than the above records indicate.
*semiparasitica Francoeur. Literature records: Cuyahoga (
*AF-smi. Athens, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Greene, Hocking, Lake, Medina, Scioto, Summit (CMNHENT0038654, CMNHENT0038655, CMNHENT0038656, CMNHENT0038657, CMNHENT0038658, CMNHENT0038659, CMNHENT0038660, CMNHENT0038661, CMNHENT0038662, CMNHENT0038663, CMNHENT0038664, CMNHENT0038665, CMNHENT0038666, CMNHENT0038667, CMNHENT0038668, CMNHENT0038669, CMNHENT0038670, CMNHENT0038671, CMNHENT0038672, CMNHENT0038673, CMNHENT0038674, CMNHENT0038675, CMNHENT0038676, CMNHENT0038677, CMNHENT0038678, CMNHENT0038679, CMNHENT0038680, CMNHENT0038681, CMNHENT0038682, CMNHENT0038683, CMNHENT0038684, CMNHENT0038685, CMNHENT0038687, CMNHENT0038688, CMNHENT0038811, CMNHENT0038812, CMNHENT0038813, CMNHENT0038817, CMNHENT0038819, CMNHENT0038820, CMNHENT0038838, CMNHENT0038839, CMNHENT0038840, VMNH110572, VMNH110573, VMNH110574, VMNH110583, VMNH110588, VMNH110592, VMNH110594, VMNH110595, VMNH110604). Literature records: Cuyahoga, Medina (
Tribe Solenopsidini
Monomorium Mayr
minimum (Buckley). Statewide but less common in northern Ohio.
E pharaonis (Linnaeus). This notorious tramp species is known from a number of scattered indoor records across Ohio.
Solenopsis Westwood
Members of the molesta complex (sensu
carolinensis
Forel. Single unspecified southcentral Ohio record in
molesta (Say). Statewide.
texana Emery. Adams Co. Rare.
Tribe Stenammini
Aphaenogaster Mayr
While many eastern Aphaenogaster can be readily identified based on morphological characters, a number of taxa remain difficult, or impossible, to separate based on morphology alone. This is especially true for some members of the rudis clade although some progress has been recently made (
fulva Roger. Statewide.
lamellidens
Mayr. An unspecified southern Ohio record in
mariae Forel. A number of scattered sites in unglaciated southern Ohio.
picea (Wheeler, W.M.). Statewide.
rudis Enzmann. Statewide.
tennesseensis (Mayr). Statewide.
treatae Forel. Few scattered records from prairie remnants and old fields in extreme northern and southern Ohio.
Stenamma Westwood
brevicorne (Mayr). Statewide.
*diecki Emery. – Licking Co. • Blackhand Gorge; 3–4 May 1989; P. Kovarik leg.; berlesate; leaf litter; S.P. Cover det. 1989; MCZ540382 • same collection data as for preceding; MCZ540383.
impar Forel. Widespread and likely more common than current records indicate.
schmitti Wheeler, W.M. Few scattered sites throughout Ohio.
Subfamily Ponerinae [3 genera; 4 species]
Tribe Ponerini
Brachyponera Emery
*, Echinensis (Emery). Literature records: Hamilton: Cincinnati, 2017, J Boggs leg., Ohio State University Extension (
Hypoponera Santschi
opacior (Forel). Widespread in southern Ohio, north to Guernsey Co.
E
ragusai
(Emery). This introduced species in known from a single locality in Jackson Co. (
Ponera Latreille
pennsylvanica Buckley. Statewide.
Subfamily Proceratiinae [1 genus; 3 species]
Tribe Proceratiini
Proceratium Roger
*crassicorne Emery. Literature records: southcentral Ohio (
pergandei
(Emery). Literature records: Franklin (
silaceum Roger. Few scattered sites throughout Ohio.
Dorymyrmex insanus (Buckley) (
I thank J. Bissell, K. Campbell, H. Clebsch, B. Coleman, B. Doane, R. Friedrich, M. Gates, R. Gibson, S. Heideman, J. Keiper, D. Kriska, W. Mackay, A. Perez, S. Philpott, B. Patrick, B. Poynter, T. Pucci, M. Vincent, and T. Webster for providing specimens and/or information concerning the distribution of Ohio ants. I also thank G. Coovert for sharing his knowledge of Ohio ants during the early stages of this work. I thank J. MacGown (MEM) for verifying Ohio records at the Mississippi Entomological Museum, D. Lubertazzi (
Alphabetical list of native ant taxa documented from surrounding areas but not yet recorded from Ohio. Data from
Species | Indiana | Kentucky | Michigan | Pennsylvania | West Virginia |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Camponotus decipiens Emery | √ | ||||
Crematogaster ashmeadi Mayr | √ | ||||
Crematogaster laeviuscula Mayr | √ | √ | |||
Crematogaster missouriensis Emery | √ | ||||
Dolichoderus mariae Forel | √ | √ | √ | ||
Formica adamsi Wheeler, W.M. | √ | ||||
Formica creightoni Buren | √ | ||||
Formica ferocula Wheeler, W.M | √ | ||||
Formica fossaceps Buren | √ | ||||
Formica hewitti Wheeler, W.M. | √ | ||||
Formica impexa Wheeler, W.M. | √ | ||||
Formica indianensis Cole | |||||
Formica neorufibarbis Emery | √ | √ | |||
Formica nepticula Wheeler, W.M. | √ | √ | |||
Formica obscuripes Forel | √ | √ | √ | ||
Formica talbotae Wilson | √ | ||||
Formicoxenus hirticornis (Emery) | √ | √ | |||
Formicoxenus provancheri (Emery) | √ | ||||
Lasius murphyi Forel | √ | ||||
Lasius pallitarsis (Provancher) | √ | √ | |||
Lasius plumopilosus Buren | √ | ||||
Lasius subglaber Emery | √ | √ | |||
Lasius subumbratus Viereck | √ | √ | |||
Monomorium emarginatum DuBois | √ | √ | |||
Monomorium talbotae DuBois | √ | ||||
Myrmica alaskensis Wheeler, W.M. | √ | ||||
Myrmica brevispinosa Wheeler, W.M. | √ | ||||
Myrmica detritinodis Emery | √ | ||||
Myrmica monticola Creighton | √ | ||||
Myrmica nearctica Weber | √ | √ | |||
Myrmica spatulata Smith, M.R. | √ | √ | √ | ||
Neivamyrmex nigrescens (Cresson) | √ | √ | √ | ||
Pheidole morrisii Forel | √ | ||||
Polyergus bicolor Wasmann | √ | √ | |||
Polyergus breviceps Emery | √ | √ | |||
Polyergus mexicanus Forel | √ | ||||
Polyergus montivagus Wheeler, W.M. | √ | √ | |||
Polyergus sanwaldi Trager | √ | ||||
Stenamma meridionale Smith, M.R. | √ | √ | |||
Strumigenys angulata Smith, M.R. | √ | ||||
Strumigenys filitalpa (Brown) | √ | ||||
Strumigenys memorialis (Deyrup) | √ | ||||
Strumigenys metazytes (Bolton) | √ | ||||
Temnothorax pilagens Seifert et al. | √ |