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Western thatching ant

Western thatching ant

Formica obscuripes

A species of Wood ants

Formica obscuripes (the western thatching ant) is a species of ant in the family Formicidae. It is native to North America. It produces large mounds covered by small pieces of plant material. The number of adult workers per colony may be as high as 40,000. F. obscuripes feeds upon a number of insect species, consumes nectar from homopterous insects they tend, and occasionally eats plant tissue. In the Blue Mountains of Oregon, F. obscuripes has demonstrated the capacity for polydomy. A supercolony in a four-hectare study area near Lehman Hot Springs consisted of 210 active nests with an estimated population in excess of 56 million ants.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Western thatching ant
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Attributes of Western thatching ant
Colors
Brown
Black
Orange
Habitat
grassland; prairie; sagebrush; shrub-steppe; mixed deciduous forest; pinyon-juniper; coniferous forest; ponderosa pine; riparian area; coastal; inland dune; alpine meadow
Adult Food Sources
Small insects and arthropods, aphid honeydew, sugars from ripe or overripe fruits, plant exudates, carrion
Larva Food Source
Digested liquid food from adult ants, small insects, aphid honeydew, plant juices, eggs from various insects
Biting/stinging
The Western thatching ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Western thatching ant feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Western thatching ant typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Western thatching ant
Egg The beginning lifecycle of western thatching ant starts as an egg. Eggs are usually laid in protected environments and are small, oblong, and slightly curved. They lack mobility and sensory organs, representing the species' potential in its simplest form.
Larva After hatching, the larva emerges, bearing little resemblance to adults. It's grub-like, without legs or eyes, and its primary function is to consume and grow, molting several times as it increases in size.
Pupal Post-larval growth, western thatching ant enters the pupal stage, encased in a protective cocoon. This stage is characterized by major developmental changes; the body is reorganized, developing legs, antennae, and wings internally.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult western thatching ant’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, the coloration is species-specific, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Western thatching ant Larvae
Ant-eating birds, parasitic wasps, larger ants from different species, ant-loving beetles
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Predators of Adult Western thatching ant
Spiders, birds, mammals like bears and coatis, lizards
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Interesting Facts About Western thatching ant
Though most ants are notorious for their sting, western thatching ant has an intriguing adaptation: a unique gland that produces a calming pheromone to deter aggression.
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Scientific Classification of Western thatching ant
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Tips for Finding Western thatching ant
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How Can You Attract Western thatching ant
Sweet substances like honey or jam can attract western thatching ant, as they rely on sugary foods to provide energy for their workers. Proteins like bits of insects or other meats can also be used, as they need protein to nurture their brood.
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Habitat Preferences of Western thatching ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of western thatching ant can typically be found nestled in underground nests, commonly in open woods or grassy areas conducive to the colony's growth. Pupae also reside within these nests, undergoing their transformation in the relative safety provided by their fellow colony members. Adult western thatching ant venture outside the nest in search of food and resources; they are often encountered atop plants, marching across the soil, or occasionally inside homes. To search for these various growth stages, a careful examination of the ground, particularly where ant trails are present or in areas with plenty of vegetation and open soil, is advisable. Observing and digging near ant mounds could reveal the subterranean developmental stages.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Western thatching ant
The best time to find western thatching ant is during warmer months, particularly late spring to early fall, when they are most active in foraging and colony expansion.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Western thatching ant
Dry and warm days are preferable for finding western thatching ant as they are less active during rainy or cold weather when they tend to stay inside their nests.
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How and Where Can You Find Western thatching ant at Different Life Stages
Egg Western thatching ant eggs are tiny and are mostly kept deep within the nest chambers. To find them, observe workers carrying small, white ovular objects deeper into the nest during active colony maintenance.
Larva Western thatching ant larvae are larger and less mobile, found in the brood chambers of their nests. To find these, follow foraging workers back to their nest entrance and carefully excavate the nest, while ensuring the safety and minimal disturbance of the colony.
Pupal Western thatching ant pupae are generally immobile and remain inside the nest until they emerge as adults. Finding them entails locating a nest and gently observing the interior chambers while avoiding any significant disruption to the colony.
Adult Western thatching ant workers are found outside the nest searching for food or materials. Look for them on the ground, particularly near established foraging trails or around aphids from which they collect honeydew. Queens are rarely seen but may be spotted during nuptial flights after rain in the late spring or early summer.
Are Western thatching ant harmful?
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Are Western thatching ant harmful to humans?

Different kinds of ants cause different troubles to humans. To be sure, compared with other dangerous creatures, common ants are very harmful to humans, and most of them just gather in the courtyard or room to disturb human life.
But there are some dangerous groups. They have strong jaws and sting needles and can bite or sting when under stress. Usually, ants only cause physical damage and the pain caused by formic acid. These discomforts do not even need to be dealt with, and can be recovered quickly. But there are still very few ant stings that can cause allergies and even death. Other ants can pollute the environment, destroy buildings, affect harvests and even spread diseases.
Harmful Effects of Western thatching ant
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Bite Humans

Western thatching ant is not known to exhibit a pattern of biting humans. Any such incident is generally defensive rather than aggressive, employing mandibles to pinch when threatened. The consequence is typically a mild reaction unless the individual is allergic.

More Effects of Western thatching ant

Beneficial Effects of Western thatching ant
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Seed Dispersal
Seed Dispersal
Western thatching ant is involved in a mutualistic relationship known as myrmecochory, where insects unwittingly transport seeds that have elaiosomes—nutritious appendages. These seeds are carried back to their nests, where the elaiosomes are consumed, and the seeds are discarded, potentially in favorable growing conditions.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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