Formica rufa
Color: Reddish-brown body with a dark brown or black head and abdomen.
Size: 4 – 9 mm
Shape: Round head, Single knot
Nutrition: Insects, Nectar, Plant Materials
Habitat: Europe and Asia
Their mounds can be over 1 meter high. Colonies have between 100,000 and 400,000 workers.
They fiercely guard their nests. They spray formic acid for defense and hunting.
They create long trails. They are most active in spring and summer.
They do not attack buildings, they damage vegetation.
Their bites are painful and formic acid causes irritation.
They have an ecological impact because they consume small insects.
Visible Nests
Foraging Trails