Course: Ants of the UK: Formica Ants

Learn about ants of the genus Formica, including the wood ants and the slave-maker ant.

Formica ants are a genus of medium to large ants found across the Northern Hemisphere. The genus includes the wood ants. They are highly social insects that live in large colonies, often building mound-shaped nests from soil and plant material, and are known for their aggressive defence using formic acid, a chemical named after them. Formica ants play an important ecological role by controlling other insect populations, aerating soil, and sometimes farming aphids for honeydew, with some species even capturing workers from other ant species to support their colonies.

This entoLEARN webinar will explore the species of ant within the genus Formica that occur in the UK. Gary Skinner will explore aspects of their ecology, behaviour, distribution and identification.

At the end of the session, learners should have a deeper understanding of the British Formica species of ant:

• Formica aquilonia (Scottish Wood Ant)
• Formica cunicularia
• Formica exsecta (Narrow-headed Ant)
• Formica fusca (Large Black Ant)
• Formica lemani
• Formica lugubris (Northern Wood Ant)
• Formica picea (Black Bog Ant)
• Formica pratensis (Black-backed Meadow Ant)
• Formica rufa (Red Wood Ant)
• Formica rufibarbis (Red Barbed Ant)
• Formica sanguinea (Blood-red Slave-making Ant)

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about the hidden diversity in our gardens and countryside. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable insects.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked, alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.