Species Diversity of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Louisiana

More than four decades have passed since the completion of the checklist by Moser and Blum (1960) of the ants of Louisiana. This research represents a significant contribution to and an update of their work. This report is the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the formicid fauna of Louisiana. One hundred thirty-two species from 40 genera and nine subfamilies were found. Information on how Louisiana ant fauna compares to that of adjacent states and Nearctic fauna are provided. Interesting results include the identity of exotic and pestiferous species, missing species, species lost, and previously unreported species.