Red Wood Ant

Distribution: Britain, Northern to Central Europe, Pyrenees and Siberia Size: Workers – 8 to 10 mm, Queen – 12 to 15 mm Lifespan: Not recorded for workers, Queen – Up to 12 years Diet: Omnivorous Social life: Colony IUCN red list status: Near Threatened The red wood ant (*Formica rufa*) inhabits mixed deciduous and coniferous woodlands, as well as open rides and verges. This species of wood ant can be distinguished from others by the rear margin of the head and the absence of a fringe of hairs around the eyes. Queens and males have well-developed thoraxes, and after mating, their wings detach from the body. Their diet primarily consists of insects, though they may also consume other ants. Additionally, they "farm" aphids, from which they collect honeydew, actively protecting their aphids from other insects. The queen is the sole reproductive female in the colony. In the absence of a queen, female workers may lay eggs as a queen would. Colonies typically consist of around 100,000 individuals, with approximately 100 queens; the largest nests recorded have contained up to half a million ants. This species is protected in some countries, with primary threats arising from environmental changes affecting their habitat.