Formica rufa

E88432

Formica rufa is a common European red wood ant species known for building large mound nests and playing a key role in forest ecosystems.


Statements (47)
Predicate Object
instanceOf insect
species of ant
bodyLength 4–9 mm
class Insecta
colonyType polygynous
color black
reddish-brown
commonName red wood ant
southern wood ant
defenseMechanism formic acid spraying
describedBy Carl Linnaeus
diet honeydew
insects
small arthropods
distribution Central Europe
Western Europe
parts of Northern Europe
ecologicalRole ecosystem engineer
predator of forest pests
family Formicidae
foragingBehavior diurnal
genus Formica
kingdom Animalia
mutualismWith aphids
nativeTo Europe
Palearctic region
nestLocation forest floor
nestMaterial pine needles
plant material
nestTemperatureRegulation solar heating of mound
nestType mound nest
order Hymenoptera
phylum Arthropoda
queenLength up to 11 mm
recognizedFor important role in forest ecosystems
large mound-building colonies
reproduction nuptial flight
socialStructure eusocial
taxonRank species
threats habitat loss
intensive forestry
typicalHabitat coniferous forests
mixed woodlands
usedAs bioindicator of forest health
workerCastes present
workerLength 4–9 mm
yearDescribed 1761

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Formicidae containsSpecies Formica rufa

Please wait…