Title: The First Workerless Parasite in the Ant Genus Formica (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Abstract: Formica talbot.ae Wilson, a member of the microgyna group and the first proven workerless parasite in Formica, is described here.The species is known from Michigan, Iowa, and North Dakota.The discovery of talbotae com pletes the inferred evolutionary progression within Formica from independent existence through temporary parasitism to permanent, workerless parasitism.