Latin Etymology: Formica ("ant") rufa ("red")
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Southern Wood Ant (Formica rufa) at Wyre Forest, UK - May 2023 |
Featured Subspecies: ?
Weight: ? / Length: 4.5-9mm / Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
The largest ant species in the UK, and found from Europe to Lake Baikal and possibly beyond. They form dense colonies in forests, creating dome shaped mounds in open areas, with colonies reaching potential sizes of 400,000 workers. They primarily feed on aphid honeydew but will also predate other invertibrates. They are known to collect resin from conifer trees to reinforce their nests as well as hygiene benefits.
Related Species:
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Genus: Formica
SUBSPECIES: ?
- Sighting Locations -
A local species - seen in Wyre Forest, Worcestershire
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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