Known Distribution of the Shining Slave Maker Ant Polyergus lucidus Mayr

Abstract

has deemed it worthwhile to report the occurrence of the Shining Slave-maker Ant, Polyergus lucidus Mayr from this region. While this ant species is apparently not uncommon in the Northeastern States it is also found occasionally to the south and west, although not as a commonly established species. Of the four instances reported by this writer, it is interesting to note that the colony nearest the center of dispersal was the strongest and largest of each group and that the weaker colonies were successively further south and west. Moreover, the most southern record produced only two workers which were found wandering along one of the main line railroads. In this instance a formicary could not be located although a thorough search was made of the adjacent area, since it was expected the colony must be close by. This may well be a case of incidental occurrence since these specimens could easily have been brought in from elsewhere.