Flying ant, could someone confirm?

[shardman]

I found what I think is a flying ant in meadows in the UK last week; can anyone confirm this and maybe suggest a possible species? I've recently found workers of Lasius niger, Lasius flavus and myrmica rubra on this site if that helps.

Thanks,

Sam

[Geoff F]

I can't really see clearly from those photos but I think that is an elbowed antennae, with the joint half way along. Which would suggest a flying ant, but not really my field of expertise - like many subjects.

[shardman]

Hi Geoff, thanks for the reply. You're right it does have elbowed antennae, that's what got me thinking it was an ant too...

[Matt Smith]

It's a male ant, probably a Formica species, notice the scale on the petiole between the abdomen and thorax.

[shardman]

That's interesting, I thought Formica species were typicall only found in woodland, is that not the case? It certainly looks like Formica but I never really considered it as a possibilty, this was found in grassland.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Sam,

I've found Formica lemani three times locally; twice on a woodland margin, and first in parkland. still, I'd be interested in the apparent difference here between Formica and Lasius.

Take care,

Jason

[shardman]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Afternoon Sam,

I've found Formica lemani three times locally; twice on a woodland margin, and first in parkland. still, I'd be interested in the apparent difference here between Formica and Lasius.

Take care,

Jason

Most Formica species build huge mounds for nests don't they? Does F. lemani do this? I only ask because I haven't seen any sign of a nest like that, although as this is a winged individual I guess it's plausable it flew in from somewhere else.

I'd quite like to know the difference between Formica and Lasius too, originally I thought this could be L. niger.

[Matt Smith]

Propodeal spiracle elongate and on side face of propodeum - Formica

Propodeal spiracle circular, on curved surface between side and rear face of propodeum (essentially on the "corner") - Lasius.

Formica fusca is very common on and rough grassland / brownfield sites and is an "underground" nesting ant that frequently turns up under my reptile survey mats along with a lot of other species. Formica cunicularia is another species found on open, dry grassy habitats, the genus is not restricted to woodland, nor are they all "mound" builders. Most of the mounds I see in grassland are soil mounds made by Lasius niger and Lasius flavus.

Jason, have you had your "F.lehmani" checked out by a "specialist". I only ask because F.lehmani is a mostly northern species and the difference between it and F.fusca are fairly subtle, its down whether there are long and/or short hairs on the petiole. I'd be surprised to see it down south.

[shardman]

Thanks Matt, that's really helpful