Western Thatching Ant

F. obscuripes is found in a variety of habitats in North America, particularly the United States of America. Most specimens are collected from the Midwest or from between the Rocky Mountains and the American west coast. Populations in the Pacific Northwest may have an unusual number of erect setae on their antennae and have been described by hobbyists as typically producing larger colonies and mounds than populations elsewhere, though this has not been confirmed. Pacific Northwest populations are additionally distinguished by the unique coloration of the gynes, which sport entirely black bodies with red heads.