Formica sp.

This is a wood ant in the genus Formica. This a large genus that is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Many Formica species have colonies near or inside woody plants and are heavily reliant on sunlight to provide warmth to the colony. This genus is well known for its symbiotic relationship with aphids.  

Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Species: Formica sp. (probably rufa Group)

Photograph: © 2007 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 1 July 2007
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o43'41" N 111^o08'11" W)