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European red wood ant

Formica polyctena

A species of Wood ants

Formica polyctena is a species of European red wood ant in the genus Formica and large family Formicidae. The species was first described by Arnold Förster in 1850. It is found in many European countries. It is a eusocial species, that has a distinct caste system of sterile workers and a very small reproductive caste. The ants have a genetic based cue that allow them to identify which other ants are members of their nest and which are foreign individuals. When facing these types of foreign invaders the F. polyctena has a system to activate an alarm. It can release pheromones which can trigger an alarm response in other nearby ants. It is found in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About European red wood ant
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Attributes of European red wood ant
Colors
Black
Red
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of European red wood ant
Common and widespread
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Predators of European red wood ant Larvae
Birds, rodents, beetles, spiders, mammalian insectivores
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Predators of Adult European red wood ant
Birds, rodents, beetles, spiders, mammalian insectivores, other ant species
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Interesting Facts About European red wood ant
European red wood ant uses strategic thermal engineering in their mounds to incubate eggs, leveraging solar energy for optimal temperature regulation.
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Scientific Classification of European red wood ant
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Tips for Finding European red wood ant
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Youth Habitat of European red wood ant
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of European red wood ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of european red wood ant can primarily be found in the underground nests that the adults construct in forested areas, with a preference for deciduous forests. These nests are typically located in loose soil and may be covered with plant material. Searching for pupae requires sifting through the nest chambers, closer to the central areas where they are usually kept for controlled temperatures. Adult european red wood ant are commonly found foraging for food on the forest floor, tending to aphids for honeydew, or defending their territory. To look for them, one must observe the ground carefully, following their trails that lead from their nests to food sources.
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When is the Best Time to Observe European red wood ant
The best time to find european red wood ant is usually on warm, sunny days, often between late spring and early fall when they are most active, commonly during midday when temperatures are optimal for their foraging activity.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe European red wood ant
Dry conditions with mild to warm temperatures are the most suitable weather conditions for locating european red wood ant. They are less active during rainy or cold days.
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How and Where Can You Find European red wood ant at Different Life Stages
Larva European red wood ant larvae are typically kept deep inside the nest, which can be located in soil, under rocks, or within rotting wood. They are best found by carefully digging near european red wood ant trails and looking for the nest chambers without disturbing the colony structure.
Pupal European red wood ant pupae are usually found inside the nest among the brood chambers. They may be in cocoons or uncovered, depending on the species. Observing european red wood ant worker behavior can help locate pupae as workers tend to them frequently.
Adult European red wood ant workers are easier to spot as they forage for food. Look for them along established trails leading from the nest to food sources, especially where sweet or protein-based substances are present.
The european red wood ant queen is found within the deepest chambers of the nest. She is larger than workers and may be surrounded by attendants. Locating her requires gentle excavation of a nest while taking care not to harm the insects or disrupt their habitat.
Are European red wood ant harmful?
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Are European red wood 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 European red wood ant
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Bite Humans

European red wood ant rarely bite humans and only do so in self-defense or when their nests are threatened. When biting, european red wood ant use their mandibles to deliver a mild, usually harmless, mechanical pinching. The immediate impact to humans is minor discomfort or a slight irritation but is not a significant health concern.

More Effects of European red wood ant

Beneficial Effects of European red wood ant
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Seed Dispersal
Seed Dispersal
European red wood ant effectively aids in the dispersal of various plant seeds by engaging in a mutualistic relationship known as myrmecochory. These insects transport seeds containing nutritious elaiosomes to their nests, where after consuming the elaiosome, the seeds are discarded in fertile conditions, facilitating germination.
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