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Red ant by Billy Clapham, The Wildlife Trusts

Red ant by Billy Clapham

Red ant

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Turn over large stones or paving slabs in the garden and you are likely to find a red ant colony. This medium-sized ant can deliver a painful sting, so be careful! In summer, winged adults swarm and mate.

Scientific name

Myrmica rubra

When to see

January to December

Top facts

Stats

Length: 4-6mm
Common.

About

The red ant is commonly found under stones and logs in the garden, and also in soil and lawns. It is active throughout the year, but winged adults swarm in late summer during hot and humid weather; these 'flying ants' mate and eventually disperse to form new colonies.

What to look for

Living up to its name, the red ant has a reddish-brown body and a darker head. It is a medium-sized ant.

Where to find

Widespread.

Did you know?

Red ant workers have a surprisingly painful sting and will attack if disturbed.