Formica

"Intelligent, fortuitous, opportunistic, and easily dispersed. Were it not for the shifts of Winter and Summer, they could very well dominate Dandoleon."

-Epiphany, Scribe of Dandoleon

Formica is a predominately flightless group of Hymendia, diverse in its individual species and cultures. Superficially equatable to the ants of Laminarum, Formicas' unique descent from eusocial ancestors has led to a robust mythology built on the backs of their enigmatic and semi-intelligent forerunners.
All Formica have queens, regardless of their subsistence method or settlement structure. Each group also has defensive acids, robust pheromone signals, superior flexibility, and relatively high intelligence compared to other Hymendia.
In each Formican culture, only a handful of males may reproduce with a queen. All reproductive individuals often have wings, though they have reduced to vestigial structures, lacking the strength to function. A unique feature of Formica is the potential for polygyny in certain colonies, which is associated with migrating colonies that remain close to the Vernal Wind and Summer Squall to avoid competition.

Societal Interactions

Formican societies are usually aggressive to any external societies, even other Formica. This doesn't hold true for interacting with outside individuals, or even small groups of non Hymendia. Acute negative engagements often occur at the border of Formican territories, resulting in battle and subsequent ritual sacrifice to dissuade future intruders.
Within Formican societies, one can expect to see severe stratification of labor and castes. Roles within their societies are permanent and based on natural aptitude.