Ant for ID

nutmeg · #1 (**permalink**) 28-03-2010, 04:52 PM

Last July I visited Linwood Warren, Lincolnshire. Several ants were crossing the ground where we were having a picnic and were carrying a variety of invertebrates. Here are photos of a couple of them:

Is it possible to give them an ID from these shots?

Thanks.

Matt Smith · #2 (**permalink**) 28-03-2010, 05:02 PM

Most likely Formica fusca.

nutmeg · #3 (**permalink**) 28-03-2010, 05:39 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, Matt. I thought it might be F. fusca, but don't feel at all confident with ants! It's been recorded in that 10km square previously.

Ukwildlifeo · #4 (**permalink**) 28-03-2010, 06:13 PM

Out of curiosity are these ants about wood ant sized (i.e about 1cm long). I once found some ants like this and wonder if this could be waht they were

nutmeg · #5 (**permalink**) 28-03-2010, 08:09 PM

Yes, I'd say that they were the best part of a cm in length - but afraid I didn't properly measure them.

Dave66 · #6 (**permalink**) 28-03-2010, 08:30 PM

Anything that eats earwigs is fine by me. Don't know why but earwigs are the only thing that make me shudder when I see one, Can't stand them. May it's because when I was about 4 my grandad told me they crawl in your ear and eat your brains!!