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Formica cinerea

Formica cinerea

The Formica cinerea, also known as the gray ant, is a small insect that lives in colonies. They work together to find food and build their homes in the ground or in wood.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Formica cinerea is a medium-sized ant, typically dark gray to grayish-black. Its dull, non-shiny body helps it blend into its sandy, open habitats. It looks similar to other Formica ants but is distinguished by its specific coloration and fine hairs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusFormica
Formica cinerea
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Formica cinerea

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Formica cinerea is super sensitive to ground vibrations, helping them detect danger from afar!

Some Formica cinerea colonies can have several queens, making their "royal family" huge!

Their underground nests can be incredibly complex, with many tunnels and chambers!

They 'farm' tiny insects called aphids for a sugary treat called honeydew!

Special abilities

Ability

Mighty Mini-Lifters

Formica cinerea has incredible strength that helps them carry objects many times their own body weight back to the nest.

Ability

Chemical Communicators

Formica cinerea can send complex messages using special scent chemicals called pheromones that help them coordinate tasks.

Ability

Acidic Defense Spray

Formica cinerea can squirt formic acid that helps them deter predators and paralyze prey effectively.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-30 mm
Size
3-7 mm
Lifespan
60-365 days
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
50000

Diet & Feeding

These ants are omnivores, enjoying both tiny insects and the sweet honeydew from aphids!

Primary Foods

  • small insects
  • honeydew
  • plant sap
  • scraps

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be careful not to step on ants when playing outside; they are busy working!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Formica cinerea's wingspan?

15-30 mm

How big is Formica cinerea?

3-7 mm

How long does Formica cinerea live?

60-365 days

What does Formica cinerea eat?

These ants are omnivores, enjoying both tiny insects and the sweet honeydew from aphids!

Where is Formica cinerea usually found?

Urban areas

How does Formica cinerea hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Formica cinerea have?

6

How large are Formica cinerea colonies?

50000

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