Ant ID

[sebastianbawn]

Found these guys near a lake near Bideford North Devon. In the past the so-called 'red ants' I have found were in fact Lasius flavus. Can anyone help with these guys?

[Jason Green]

Hi Seb,

It's a Myrmica sp., going by the petiole and postpetiole. These are the two lumpy bits that connect the abdomen to the rear of the thorax. There are at least eight that are similar, and sometimes then requires a side-shot to show the two spiky projections based on the propodeum, which is located on the end of the thorax. The distance between the tips can ID some. You may also need a shot to show the angle of the antenna, and how steeply or curved the first part is.

Myrmica ruginodis is the most widespread, but this doesn't mean your individual is. I'd just call it a Myrmica sp., unless anyone else can add anything!

[sebastianbawn]

hanks Jason. Thought they were in the genus of Myrmica. They were quite large for ants, approx 5-6mm from memory