Mound-building wood ant species
of Europe
A large reddish-brown ant with a black head and abdomen that looks very similar to Formica polyctena, which makes it difficult to identify. It can only be distinguished from Formica polyctena by the thicker hairs on its thorax (back). Hybridisation of these two species also occurs.
Easily recognizable by its distinct red coloration and golden hairs on its head and thorax. Found in deciduous and mixed forests, often in smaller nests than F. rufa. Less aggressive but still defends its nest with formic acid.
Builds large nests and forms super-colonies with several queens (polygynous). Favours warm, sunny forest edges. Often has no clear nest boundaries and creates extensive, interconnected networks of nest mounds. Compared to F. rufa, it has an almost completely hairless thorax.
Distinguished by its dark abdomen and reddish-brown thorax. Prefers open landscapes like meadows and forest edges. Builds broad, low nests, often exposed to direct sunlight.
A cold-adapted species found in boreal and mountainous forests. Forms large, polygynous colonies with multiple nests. Very similar to F. rufa, but prefers denser, shady woodlands.
A mountain and upland species, often found in cool, damp coniferous forests. Has dense golden hairs on the head and thorax. Builds large nests, often near logs or moss.
An endemic Swiss species found in montane to alpine habitats. Forms polygyne colonies and resembles closely related forest ants, but has a very limited distribution range.
A rare, locally restricted species of the Iberian Peninsula. Lives in warm, dry landscapes with sparse vegetation and forms small colonies.
A heat-loving species known exclusively from Spain and Portugal. Prefers open, dry habitats and forms small to medium-sized colonies with nests in the ground or under stones.
A cold-adapted species found in boreal and montane regions. Now rare in Central Europe, it lives in semi-open landscapes with large, polygyne colonies. Easy to recognise by the excavation on the top of its head.