Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Slaver ant

Slaver ant

Formica sanguinea

A species of Wood ants, Also known as Slave-making ant

Formica sanguinea, or blood-red ant, is a species of facultative slave-maker ant in the genus Formica characterized by the ability to secrete formic acid. It ranges from Central and Northern Europe through Russia to Japan, China, the Korean Peninsula, Africa and also the United States. This species is coloured red and black with workers up to 7 mm long. A colony of F. sanguinea can live either as a free colony or as a social parasite of Formica species, most commonly Formica fusca, Formica japonica, Formica hayashi and Formica rufibarbis.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Slaver ant
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Slaver ant
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
Pine forest; plantation forest; spruce; larch
Adult Food Sources
Insects, sweet substances like nectar, honeydew from aphids, carrion, plant material
Larva Food Source
Digested proteinaceous secretions from adults, crushed insects provided by adults, small arthropods, diluted honey, aphid honeydew
Biting/stinging
The Slaver ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
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
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Slaver ant
Egg The egg stage marks the beginning of the slaver ant's life cycle. The eggs are tiny, often oval-shaped, and laid in a protected environment. The color is usually white or pale, and they have a soft outer casing. This stage primarily consists of growth and development inside the egg until hatching.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae of slaver ant are legless and grub-like with a voracious appetite. They are generally whitish and can vary in size as they molt and grow. This stage is dedicated to feeding and rapid growth, without resemblance to the adult slaver ant.
Pupal Transitioning into the pupal stage, slaver ant enters a quiescent state encased in a cocoon. The pupa is immobile and muted in color, undergoing significant internal transformation. This stage is where the body structure changes drastically, preparing for the emergence of the adult slaver ant.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult slaver ant's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. The coloration is more vibrant, signifying the maturity of slaver ant.
Rectangle
Predators of Slaver ant Larvae
Ants from other colonies, birds, spiders, beetles
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Slaver ant
Ants from other colonies, birds, spiders, mammals, reptiles
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Slaver ant
Unlike typical ants, slaver ant have a striking practice of 'stealing' pupae from neighboring colonies, which later become workers in their own colony.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Slaver ant
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Bees
Icon allow
Family
Ants
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Slaver ant
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Slaver ant
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Slaver ant
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Slaver ant
Sweet and protein-based baits such as sugar water, honey or small pieces of meat could be used to attract slaver ant, since ants generally search for food to sustain their colony.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Slaver ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of slaver ant commonly reside within underground nests made of soil and plant material, where they are tended to by worker ants. These nests are often found in open or wooded areas, preferring sunny spots. Pupae typically develop in the same nests, within protective silk cocoons. Searching for these stages involves locating the nest entrances, which appear as small mounds or openings on the ground. Adult slaver ant can be found foraging for food on the ground in a variety of environments, including meadows, gardens, and forests; however, it's important to carefully observe and follow the workers to trace their path back to their nest.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Slaver ant
The best time to find slaver ant is during their active hours, usually on warm and sunny days. Early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are not too extreme, is ideal for observation.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Slaver ant
Dry and warm weather is most suitable for finding slaver ant, as they are less active during cold or rainy days. Ants may remain in their nests during adverse weather conditions.
Are Slaver ant harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle

Are Slaver 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 Slaver ant
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Bite Humans
Rectangle
Bite Humans

Slaver ant typically does not bite humans as part of its usual behavior. When it does, it's primarily in defense, utilizing its mandibles to nip when threatened. The bites can be mildly irritating but are not generally harmful. Adult slaver ant may bite if their nest is disturbed or to defend their colony.

More Effects of Slaver ant

Beneficial Effects of Slaver ant
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Decomposers
Decomposers
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains
Slaver ant serves an ecological role by breaking down organic matter from dead animals and plant remains. As both adults and larvae, they contribute to nutrient cycling, soil formation, and the regulation of other pest populations. Their collaborative decomposition efforts often go unnoticed, but they are essential for ecosystem balance.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Slaver ant
Fire ant
Fire ant

Solenopsis geminata is an ant species from the Myrmicinae subfamily. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1804 by Fabricius.

Read More
Arrow
Southern fire ant
Southern fire ant

Southern fire ant is a species adapted for cooperative living, with a sophisticated social structure organized around a single reproducing queen and varying castes of workers. This species exhibits an aggressive defense mechanism, emitting a sting that delivers a painful venom to deter predators. With a diet that includes proteins and sugars, southern fire ant forage efficiently, utilizing pheromone trails for their scavenging activities, highlighting their advanced communication systems.

Read More
Arrow
Thief ant
Thief ant

Solenopsis molesta, also known as thief ants , get their names from their habit of nesting close to other ant nests, from which they steal food. They are also called grease ants because they are attracted to grease. Nuptial flight in this species occur from late July through early fall.

Read More
Arrow
Red Imported Fire Ant
Red Imported Fire Ant

The red Imported Fire Ant( Solenopsis invicta ) is native to central South America. These aggressive ants can pose a serious threat to the health of humans, plants, and animals. The worker ants can sting their enemies repeatedly, unlike honeybee for once, and attack anything that disturbs them. In order to get honeydew easily, they farm aphids on plants, which are also harmful to plants. The red Imported Fire Ant cause billions of loss annually in the US.

Read More
Arrow
Aphaenogaster swammerdami
Aphaenogaster swammerdami

Aphaenogaster swammerdami is an ant species from the subfamily of the Myrmicinae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1886 by Trout.

Read More
Arrow
Aphaenogaster swammerdami clara
Aphaenogaster swammerdami clara

Read More
Arrow
Gliding ants
Gliding ants

Cephalotes atratus is a large, mainly black ant; workers are 8 - 15 mm in length and females 2 cm. Males are up to 1.4 cm and have black heads and thoraxes, and dark reddish-brown gasters and limbs. The workers are spiny and heavily armoured with powerful mandibles for chewing through wood.

Read More
Arrow
Striated ant
Striated ant

Huberia striata is an ant species from the subfamily of the Myrmicinae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1876 by Smith, F ..

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow