Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
The adult red wood ant is a fast-moving woodland ant commonly found on forest floors, tree trunks, and large thatched mound nests built from needles, twigs, and soil. Workers hunt small invertebrates, scavenge dead animals, collect honeydew from aphids, and defend nest territory aggressively. When threatened, an individual can bite with strong mandibles and spray formic acid from the tip of the abdomen. This species is famous for building large sun-warmed nests that can support huge colonies and influence the surrounding forest ecosystem.
- Type
- Venom
- Conservation status
- NT