Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
The Red Wood Ant (Formica rufa), also known as the southern wood ant or horse ant, is a prominent boreal and temperate forest insect native to Europe and parts of Asia. Easily recognized by its reddish-brown thorax and dark head and gaster, this social species constructs massive, dome-shaped anthills out of pine needles, twigs, and resin. These complex nests maintain stable internal temperatures and can house hundreds of thousands of workers. As voracious predators of forest pests and key seed dispersers, red wood ants are essential to woodland health and are protected in many European countries.
Group: Insects (Insecta)Red List status: LC • Least Concern