Taxonomy
Stenamma westwoodii | Westwood's Ant
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Small species (body length of workers 3.5-4mm)
- Head, thorax and abdomen pale or dark reddish-brown in colour
- Easily confused with Stenamma debile or Myrmica species and microscopic examination is required
Diet
This species predates and scavenges small insects and mites.
Habitat
Poorly known in Ireland. Records show some association with dry woodland sites.
Flight period
Males are on the wing between August and October. Workers may be seen throughout the spring and summer and possibly early autumn.
Nesting biology
Nests are small and unobtrusive and typically contain one queen and fewer than 200 workers. They are typically constructed under stones.
Similar species
- Other small, reddish-brown ant species
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
A rather scarce species which to date has only been recorded from Wicklow and Wexford. It is rather unobtrusive and is likely to be overlooked and under-recorded.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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