ExploreInsects

Western Thatching Ant

Formica obscuripes

The Western Thatching Ant is a busy little insect that builds cozy nests from grass and leaves. They work together as a team to gather food and take care of their home.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Western Thatching Ant is a medium-sized ant, typically dark reddish-brown to black, with a noticeably darker head and abdomen contrasting with a lighter reddish thorax. It has a slightly hairy body and legs. This species is visually distinguished by its often-large, dome-shaped nest mounds made of plant material.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusFormica
Western Thatching Ant
social trait badgeomnivorous trait badgegrassland trait badgedecomposer trait badge
Western Thatching Ant

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Wow! Queen ants can live for over 15 years, starting giant new families!

Wow! Their huge nest mounds can sometimes grow taller than a child!

Wow! These ants communicate using invisible scent trails to find food and friends!

Wow! They can move their whole colony to a new home if their nest is damaged!

Special abilities

Ability

Thatch Architect

Western Thatching Ant can build impressive dome-shaped nests from plant material that helps insulate their colony from extreme temperatures.

Ability

Acidic Defense

Western Thatching Ant can spray formic acid from its abdomen that helps them deter predators and paralyze prey.

Ability

Honeydew Farmer

Western Thatching Ant can farm aphids for their sugary honeydew, which provides essential energy for the colony.

Ability

Colony Protector

Western Thatching Ant has a strong social organization that helps them rapidly mobilize workers to defend their nest.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
12-18 mm
Size
4-8 mm
Lifespan
200-730 days
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
10000-50000

Diet & Feeding

Western Thatching Ants eat sugary plant sap, insects, and other small creatures they find.

Primary Foods

  • Honeydew
  • Insects
  • Nectar
  • Plant sap
  • Carrion

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

symbiotic with

Cotton Aphid

Aphis gossypii

Tends aphids for sugary honeydew, providing protection.

eaten by

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

Bears sometimes dig up nests to eat ant larvae and adults.

eaten by

Pygmy Short-horned Lizard

Phrynosoma douglasii

Lizards prey on worker ants they encounter foraging.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful not to disturb their nests, as they might bite if they feel threatened.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Western Thatching Ant's wingspan?

12-18 mm

How big is Western Thatching Ant?

4-8 mm

How long does Western Thatching Ant live?

200-730 days

What does Western Thatching Ant eat?

Western Thatching Ants eat sugary plant sap, insects, and other small creatures they find.

Where is Western Thatching Ant usually found?

Grasslands

How does Western Thatching Ant hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Western Thatching Ant have?

6

How large are Western Thatching Ant colonies?

10000-50000

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Where to spot

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