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Silky ant

Silky ant

Formica subsericea

A species of Wood ants

Formica subsericea is a species of ant in the genus Formica. It is found in the eastern United States and Canada. Workers of this species are incredibly fast and quite timid. Workers of this species are commonly found working as slaves in Polyergus colonies. Nuptial flights typically occur in July or August. It is often confused with another Formica species, Formica fusca.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Silky ant
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Attributes of Silky ant
Habitat
tree; under rock; log
Adult Food Sources
Aphid honeydew, caterpillars, dead insects, nectar, fruits
Larva Food Source
Aphid honeydew, insect eggs, small invertebrates, diluted organic matter, trophallaxis with workers
Biting/stinging
The Silky ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Silky ant is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Silky 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 Silky ant typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
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Species Status of Silky ant
Common
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Distribution Area of Silky ant
Eastern United States, Canada
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Life Cycle of Silky ant
Egg Upon being laid, the tiny egg of silky ant begins its life cycle. The egg is often oval and minute, typically deposited in a protected location. The color may be translucent or slightly opaque.
Larva The larva of silky ant hatches from the egg, legless and worm-like in form. With a voracious appetite, the larva primarily focuses on feeding and growth, molting several times as it increases in size.
Pupal Silky ant's pupal stage is a period of transformation. Encased in a cocoon-like structure, the immobile pupa reorganizes internally, developing adult features. Color and form drastically change during this stage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult silky 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.
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Predators of Silky ant Larvae
Ant-eating birds, larger ants from other species, entomopathogenic fungi, parasitic wasps
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Scientific Classification of Silky ant
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Tips for Finding Silky ant
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Youth Habitat of Silky ant
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Silky ant
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Silky ant
Sweet substances or proteins such as sugar water, honeydew, or small pieces of meat can be effective baits to attract silky ant.
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Habitat Preferences of Silky ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of silky ant thrive in the protection of underground nests, often located in open fields or wooded areas. Here, worker ants diligently attend to their needs. As adult workers, silky ant forage on the ground's surface, scurrying along well-established trails, and may also climb vegetation in search of food. To seek out these stages, one should carefully examine the soil and leaf litter in such habitats for nests, as well as observe plant stems and leaves for foraging workers. When in the right environment, a keen eye and patience are essential for locating silky ant in their respective life stages.
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How and Where Can You Find Silky ant at Different Life Stages
Larva Silky ant larvae are located within the colony nest. To find them, carefully observe the ground for small mounds or the entry points of their nest. Once found, direct observation or non-destructive digging may be necessary.
Pupal Silky ant pupae will also be within the confines of the nest, often deeper than the larvae. Locating them involves similar techniques as finding the larvae, with greater emphasis on ensuring not to disturb the nest structure significantly.
Adult Silky ant workers can be found foraging. Look along the ground, under stones, or around plant bases. During certain times of the year, you may find winged silky ant (alates) preparing for nuptial flights, which are easier to spot as they gather in large numbers.
Are Silky ant harmful?
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Are Silky 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 Silky ant
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Bite Humans

Silky ant is not characteristically known to bite humans. Human interaction with silky ant, typically results in non-aggressive behavior, with bites being a rare, mild, and defensive action rather than habitual.

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