Taxonomy
Formica aquilonia | Scottish Wood Ant
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
- Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Large species (body length of workers: 7-10mm)
- Head and thorax reddish with darker black areas
- Abdomen primarily black in colour
- Difficult to separate from Formica lugubris, requiring microscopic examination although the species are not known to overlap in Ireland
Diet
This species feeds primarily on honeydew, the sweet secretion produced by various aphid species. This is one of several species which forages in conspicuous 'trails'. Dead or dying insects which are encountered by workers may be brought to the nest also.
Habitat
Associated with tracts of pine or birch woodland including marginal areas of these habitats. At its only known Irish site, it inhabits a mixed woodland comprised primarily of oak and birch.
Flight period
Males are on the wing primarily in June and July. Workers may be seen in all but the coldest months of the year, but are typically more active between February and November.
Nesting biology
Nests in conspicuous mounds, which may be up to 1m in height and are constructed using materials such as moss, pine needles and other plant matter. Colonies consist of at least one queen and several hundred workers, with males being produced during the summer. These nests are may be inhabited for many years and can persist long after the colony has died out.
Similar species
- The Hairy Wood Ant (Formica lugubris)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Limited to a single site, Peatlands Park in Co. Armagh with another questionable historical locality in south Armagh. Its native status in Ireland is questionable and it may have been introduced here from Scotland during the 19th century or earlier. Even at this site, it is displaying a worrying decline and may now be nationally extinct, although the precise reason for this is not clear.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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