{"id":9074,"date":"2024-09-06T10:29:01","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T08:29:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/?p=9074"},"modified":"2025-10-14T10:30:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T08:30:56","slug":"everything-you-have-to-know-about-formica-rufa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/2024\/09\/06\/everything-you-have-to-know-about-formica-rufa\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you have to know about Formica Rufa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n  <div id=\"page-header-1334149100\" class=\"page-header-wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"page-title light normal-title has-parallax box-shadow-1\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"page-title-inner container align-top text-center flex-row-col medium-flex-wrap\" data-parallax-fade=\"true\" data-parallax=\"-5\">\n              <div class=\"title-wrapper uppercase is-xlarge flex-col\">\n          <h1 class=\"entry-title mb-0\">\n            Everything you have to know about Formica Rufa          <\/h1>\n        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"page-title-sub op-7 flex-col\">\n          <p class=\"lead\">(The Red Wood Ant)<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"title-content flex-col\">\n        <div class=\"title-breadcrumbs pb-half pt-half\"><nav class=\"woocommerce-breadcrumb breadcrumbs uppercase\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\">Home<\/nav><\/div>      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n       <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n\t<div id=\"gap-1965630021\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-1965630021 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n<div class=\"video video-fit mb\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Everything you want to know about Formica rufa\" width=\"1020\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4k4XGzkOITI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\t<div id=\"text-2706112298\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h2>How to Identify a Formica Rufa?<\/h2>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2706112298 {\n  font-size: 1.8rem;\n  text-align: center;\n  color: rgb(35, 167, 105);\n}\n#text-2706112298 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 167, 105);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<p>If you\u2019d like to support us, you can order the poster through the link below.<\/p>\n<p class=\"product-title product_title entry-title\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"cf0\">If you\u2019d like to support us, you can order a poster; <\/span><span class=\"cf0\">Follow<\/span><span class=\"cf0\"> the link to these cool<\/span><a class=\"cf0\" href=\"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/product-category\/ant-posters-and-teaching-aids\/\"><span class=\"cf0\"> ant posters<\/span><\/a>, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/product\/poster-the-red-wood-ant-formica-rufa-way-of-life-70x50\/\">Formica rufa<\/a> poster, <span class=\"cf0\">and get 10% off with the promo code <strong>antblog10<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"cf0\">Every purchase means the world to us\u2014thank you for being part of our journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-772741326\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-362893011\" class=\"col medium-6 small-12 large-6\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_843276964\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"732\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.52.png?fit=732%2C400&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.52.png?w=1439&amp;ssl=1 1439w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.52.png?resize=732%2C400&amp;ssl=1 732w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.52.png?resize=1400%2C765&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.52.png?resize=768%2C419&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.52.png?resize=18%2C10&amp;ssl=1 18w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.52.png?resize=510%2C279&amp;ssl=1 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_843276964 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1832302914\" class=\"col medium-6 small-12 large-6\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-1797886367\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Identifying Formica rufa ants, commonly known as the red wood ant, can be quite challenging due to its close resemblance to Formica polyctena. Both species share a bicolored reddish or brownish and black body, a black triangle-shaped mark on the head, and a faded black mark on the upper part of their thorax.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-1797886367 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\t<div id=\"text-3619043655\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Their waist, known as the petiole, has only one section. However, the key distinguishing feature lies in the tiny hairs on their bodies. They are the most efficient way to distinguish rufa from polyctena as polyctena is almost hairless.<\/p>\n<p>The frequent hybridization of the two species makes the identification work even more complicated. Formica rufa is commonly found in the forest of Europe, from Spain to Russia.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-3619043655 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-3057134995\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-3057134995 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_1913672075\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.25.png?fit=1020%2C545&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.25.png?w=1436&amp;ssl=1 1436w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.25.png?resize=749%2C400&amp;ssl=1 749w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.25.png?resize=1400%2C748&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.25.png?resize=768%2C410&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.25.png?resize=18%2C10&amp;ssl=1 18w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.25.png?resize=510%2C272&amp;ssl=1 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_1913672075 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"gap-1591503214\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-1591503214 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-3492611295\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h2>Life under the Formica rufa&#8217;s dome<\/h2>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-3492611295 {\n  font-size: 1.8rem;\n  text-align: center;\n  color: rgb(35, 167, 105);\n}\n#text-3492611295 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 167, 105);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-3410149234\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Rufa\u2019s nests vary in size, ranging from small mounds to large hills.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-3410149234 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-2579509276\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Formica rufa constructs its nests using spruce and pine twigs, sometimes incorporating grass and hay. Their nests are typically built upon tree stumps, with tunnels and chambers dug among the roots. The tree stump and its roots form the anthill\u2019s skeleton, while the layer of twigs serves as its skin, and the tunnels act as its organs.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2579509276 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_1450214343\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"794\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.13.22.png?fit=794%2C600&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.13.22.png?w=1005&amp;ssl=1 1005w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.13.22.png?resize=530%2C400&amp;ssl=1 530w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.13.22.png?resize=768%2C580&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.13.22.png?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.13.22.png?resize=510%2C385&amp;ssl=1 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 794px) 100vw, 794px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_1450214343 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"gap-445138792\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-445138792 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-268347195\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>A mature nest can house over 100,000 ants, living in a complex system of tunnels and chambers. The dome is the most important part, but also the most exposed to potential threats.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-268347195 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-66332596\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h3>What materials are used to build Formica Rufa&#8217;s nest?<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-66332596 {\n  font-size: 1.15rem;\n  text-align: left;\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n#text-66332596 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-2087673382\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>The dome helps regulate the temperature in both summer and winter. Eggs, larvae, and pupae are moved from one chamber to another based on the required temperature. Therefore, the larvae can be underground, or close to the dome surface.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2087673382 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-3140263764\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>During the summer, the temperature inside the nest stays between 25-30\u00b0C. Ventilation corridors assist in dissipating excess heat. Some of these corridors serve as pathways, while others function as actual ventilation ducts. In winter, the ants hibernate, and the queen stops laying eggs. The survival of the company depends on the dome resistance to the rain, snow and frost.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-3140263764 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-897971262\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h3>Myrmecophiles species: co-inhabitants of the Nest<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-897971262 {\n  font-size: 1.15rem;\n  text-align: left;\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n#text-897971262 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-601005578\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Additionally, over 70 species, including many beetles and even bees, live peacefully near the nest. For instance, the rove beetle, which preys on small insects, often finds refuge in the vicinity of the nest.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-601005578 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-4259274353\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Similarly, the golden-haired beetle, known for its striking appearance, can frequently be seen foraging nearby. Bees, such as the solitary mason bee, also make their homes close to the nest, benefiting from the protection and resources available in the area. These diverse species coexist harmoniously, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem around the nest.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-4259274353 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-42426972\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>The Formicoxenus nitidulus ant species is quite unique! They live within the nests of 11 other ant species, including Formica rufa. Although they share a similar coloration with Formica rufa, as both are wood ants, they are smaller and have entirely red heads. They discreetly establish their nests among the Rufa anthills. Surprisingly, the Formica rufa ants allow them to coexist peacefully!<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-42426972 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-117008187\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h3>Federation and Wars<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-117008187 {\n  font-size: 1.15rem;\n  text-align: left;\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n#text-117008187 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-2600286787\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Formica rufa, commonly known as the red wood ant, is renowned for its complex social structures and behaviors. One of the most fascinating aspects of their society is their ability to form large federations, which are essentially alliances of multiple colonies. These federations can cover extensive areas and consist of numerous nests that cooperate for mutual benefit, such as sharing resources and defending territory.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2600286787 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-685938932\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>However, this cooperative behavior does not extend to all ant colonies. Formica rufa is also known for engaging in fierce wars with other ant colonies, including those of their own species. These conflicts often arise when colonies compete for the same ecological niche, such as food sources, nesting sites, or territory. The battles can be intense and involve large numbers of ants, with each side deploying various strategies to outmaneuver and overpower the other.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-685938932 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-2842352166\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Each colony has a unique chemical signature, and ants use this to recognize their nestmates and identify intruders. When ants from different colonies encounter each other, the recognition of these chemical differences often triggers aggressive behavior, leading to conflicts.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2842352166 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-3634495896\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>These wars are not just random skirmishes but are part of a broader strategy to dominate and control valuable resources. The spoils of war are not so visible as thousands of ants died. The resolution of the conflict leads the victorious colony to access to more territory, ressources and growth.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-3634495896 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-2941739612\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2941739612 {\n  font-size: 1.15rem;\n  text-align: left;\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n#text-2941739612 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-428461185\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-428461185 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1759393598\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1133788640\" class=\"col medium-6 small-12 large-6\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_1429679881\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.30.20.png?fit=738%2C400&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.30.20.png?w=1440&amp;ssl=1 1440w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.30.20.png?resize=738%2C400&amp;ssl=1 738w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.30.20.png?resize=1400%2C759&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.30.20.png?resize=768%2C417&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.30.20.png?resize=18%2C10&amp;ssl=1 18w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.30.20.png?resize=510%2C277&amp;ssl=1 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_1429679881 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-2061839062\" class=\"col medium-6 small-12 large-6\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-2093370082\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h3><span style=\"color: #2d8080;\">Foraging and Feeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To sustain the colony and maintain the dome, foraging is essential.<\/p>\n<p>Each year, Formica rufa ants carry approximately 1.6 kg of construction materials, equivalent to 400,000 twigs and pine needles.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2093370082 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\t<div id=\"text-4267823976\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>They also scavenge dead insects or hunt live ones, collecting from 100 grams to 30 kg of insect meat annually, depending on the colony size.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-4267823976 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-527809876\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-172543662\" class=\"col medium-6 small-12 large-6\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-2210920379\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Proteins are also very important and represent up to 40% of the rufa ants diet. They are given to larvae and the queen. They also scavenge dead insects or hunt live ones, collecting between 100 grams to 30 kg of insect meat annually, depending on the colony size.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2210920379 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-994814992\" class=\"col medium-6 small-12 large-6\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_1588259268\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"564\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.12.png?fit=564%2C400&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.12.png?w=1105&amp;ssl=1 1105w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.12.png?resize=564%2C400&amp;ssl=1 564w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.12.png?resize=768%2C545&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.12.png?resize=18%2C12&amp;ssl=1 18w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.12.png?resize=510%2C362&amp;ssl=1 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_1588259268 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\t<div id=\"text-1484942324\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Formica rufa also engages in mutualism with aphids, feeding on their honeydew and protecting them from predators like ladybugs. However, this relationship has its limits, as ants sometimes bring aphids into the nest to feed the larvae.\u00a0A big nest potentially collects up to 500 kg of honeydew per year!<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-1484942324 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_430853517\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"564\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.35.png?fit=1020%2C564&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.35.png?w=1439&amp;ssl=1 1439w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.35.png?resize=723%2C400&amp;ssl=1 723w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.35.png?resize=1400%2C774&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.35.png?resize=768%2C425&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.35.png?resize=18%2C10&amp;ssl=1 18w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.09.35.png?resize=510%2C282&amp;ssl=1 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#image_430853517 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"gap-192987109\" class=\"gap-element clearfix\" style=\"display:block; height:auto;\">\n\t\t\n<style>\n#gap-192987109 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-2105736565\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h2>Threats to the Dome<\/h2>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2105736565 {\n  font-size: 1.8rem;\n  text-align: center;\n  color: rgb(35, 167, 105);\n}\n#text-2105736565 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 167, 105);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-985748145\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h3>Threats towards\u00a0 individuals<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-985748145 {\n  font-size: 1.15rem;\n  text-align: left;\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n#text-985748145 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-2849311227\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>As an individual, a Formica rufa encounters numerous threats in its natural habitat. Among these, mites pose a significant challenge, often infesting their nests and causing health issues for the ants. Additionally, predators such as spiders and mantises frequently target these ants, taking advantage of their smaller size and vulnerability. These threats necessitate constant vigilance and adaptive strategies.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2849311227 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-543785080\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h3>Collective Threats<\/h3>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-543785080 {\n  font-size: 1.15rem;\n  text-align: left;\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n#text-543785080 > * {\n  color: rgb(35, 129, 167);\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-631209346\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Other ant species also compete with Formica rufa for resources, further complicating their survival.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-631209346 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-3731207032\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Boars and birds are natural predators. They destroy part of the anthill in order to eat larvae which are rich in protein. If a rain fall follows their visit, the anthill can suffer major floods that could end the colony.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-3731207032 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-2730587724\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Sometimes, birds provoke F. rufa. They except the ants to attack them with their formic acid. This way, they expose their furthers to a natural anti-parasitic bath.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-2730587724 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-1797787422\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Today, human activities are the main threat to F. rufa. That could be because of the expansion of the agriculture fields, the use of pesticides or the removal of woods and forests.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-1797787422 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div id=\"text-4203188549\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Rufa population decreases. A few European countries already placed them on the red list of endangered species:<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-4203188549 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<ul>\n<li><strong>United Kingdom:<\/strong> Formica rufa is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Germany:<\/strong> The species is protected by federal nature conservation laws. (Rechtsvorschriften vom 16. Februar 2005)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Switzerland:<\/strong> Formica rufa is listed as a protected species. (1966)<\/li>\n<li><strong>France:<\/strong> The species is protected under national conservation regulations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<div id=\"text-182960020\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Formica rufa is one of the most iconic ant species, with their impressive dome-like anthills prominently visible in forests. Despite their importance in ecosystems, their role is often overlooked. They aerate the soil, spread seeds and pollen, serve as prey for birds and other insects, and help control pests.\u00a0Next time you see one of their domes, take a moment to appreciate their ecological significance and share this knowledge with others!<\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-182960020 {\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Formica rufa is the red wood ant. You do know where she lives: in a huge mound made of twigs and pine needles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24784,"featured_media":9083,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[442],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9074","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ant-species"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/antcube.shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Capture-decran-2024-09-02-a-16.06.52.png?fit=1439%2C786&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9074","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24784"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9074"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9074\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12620,"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9074\/revisions\/12620"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9074"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9074"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antcube.shop\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9074"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}