Southern wood ant  (Formica rufa)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

In the UK, the southern wood ant is a local species occurring predominantly in southern England and Wales. Although it seems to be increasing in numbers in the south of England, the range is shrinking southwards (4). The species has become locally extinct in parts of the former range in the north and east of England, the Midlands and north Wales. Outside of the UK, this species is found throughout the Palaearctic(4).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Nests are found in open woodland in glades or rides or at the woodland edge (4).

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