Taxonomy
Formica fusca | Dusky Ant
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Medium-sized species (body length of workers 4.5-7mm)
- Head, thorax and abdomen dark brown-black
- Difficult to separate from Formica lemani and microscopic examination is required in most cases.
Diet
Primarily predatory on other insect species, although honeydew from aphids may also be sought by the workers.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including heathland, bogland margins, scrub and woodland edges.
Flight period
Males are on the wing between June-August. Workers may be observed throughout much of the year, but are more active between March-October.
Nesting biology
Nests are typically constructed under stones, among consolidated turf banks and among tree stumps. Each nest contains a single queen and several hundred workers.
Similar species
- Formica lemani
- Other small, black ant species
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
It appears to occur primarily in the south of the island and is largely absent from the north. It can occur at the same sites as Formica lemani, although it is almost always the less frequent of the two species.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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