8 replies to this topic

[Rattus]

1. Location (on a map) of collection: Denmark, Fladbro
2. Date of collection: 01.05.18
3. Habitat of collection: Similar to woodland edge
4. Length (from head to gaster): Average 8-9mm/ Smallest 5mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Head darkish red, thorax light red, gaster black with stripes and a hint of red.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: -
7. Distinguishing behavior: Obviously - Agressive and sprays somewhat smelly formic acid, great eyesight, reacts to movement.
8. Nest description: Sticks and other degradable material.

*. Not Formica sanguinea

 

Nest

 

Ant

 

Formica rufa?

Edited by Rattus, May 1 2018 - 8:53 AM.

[Barristan]

Hi,

 

could also be Formica polyctena:

 

 

Formica polyctena has no hairs on the thorax in comparison to Formica rufa:

 

 

But I can't tell from your photos if there are hairs on the thorax or not.

[Rattus]

Hi,

 

could also be Formica polyctena:

 

 

Formica polyctena has no hairs on the thorax in comparison to Formica rufa:

 

 

But I can't tell from your photos if there are hairs on the thorax or not.

Observed under a lamp with the naked eye and it seems it has noticeable hair on head, gaster and some shorter hair on thorax.

Edited by Rattus, May 1 2018 - 9:29 AM.

[Formicine]

Those look like velvety tree ants. The fact that they make that smell, and are aggressive also points toward them. The only problem is I don't know if they're actually found over in that part of the world. 

Liometopum occidentale if you'd like to look them up. 

In all honesty, I would love to have a colony of those, just because when I see them in the wild they so fun to watch. Also that they're so grumpy about everything makes them hilarious to me.

[Canadian anter]

It is most likely Formica rufa then. Also I prefer day-month-year

[Deluga]

Formica rufa is usually found I Denmark at this time of year.
I have caught Formica rufa around this time last year, and seen them the years before.

1-2 weeks from now Camponothe should have flight.

[Rattus]

Best photo of the hair I could get, but checked with 10x magnification too and it has hairs.

[Barristan]

Then I would say Formica rufa.

[Rattus]

Thanks everyone!