Negro Ant
Formica fusca
This record describes Formica fusca (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This wood ant is dark brown to black in colour. The worker can be up to 6mm long. This species is very similar to Formica lemani , which can be differentiated from F. fusca by the presence of short, stubby hairs on the promesonotal dorsum. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. F. fusca nests are usually found in rotten tree stumps or under stones in clear cut areas and along woodland borders and hedgerows. All year with winged forms appearing in June and July. Food includes small insects and aphid honeydew. There are rarely more than 1000 in a colony. It is mainly found in southern and central England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Formicidae
- Genus
- Formica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
F. fusca
Seasonal Activity
All year with winged forms appearing in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Food includes small insects and aphid honeydew. There are rarely more than 1000 in a colony.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is mainly found in southern and central England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Formica fusca. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Negro Ant (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Negro Ant
What is Negro Ant?
Negro Ant (Formica fusca) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Negro Ant found?
Habitat: F. fusca
When is Negro Ant active?
Negro Ant: seasonal activity - All year with winged forms appearing in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Negro Ant?
Food includes small insects and aphid honeydew. There are rarely more than 1000 in a colony.