Red wood ant (Formica rufa) Science Image

Ref: 14881d



Red wood ant. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a red wood ant (Formica rufa). Its antennae are seen at upper left and right. Behind these on its head are its eyes. Its biting mouthparts are seen at centre. Red ants live in coniferous forests throughout the temperate and cool latitudes of the northern hemisphere. They build their nests in rotting tree trunks which they cover with large heaps of pine needles and dry brush, forming hills which may grow to several metres in height. This ant can spray attackers with a poison of concentrated formic acid. Magnification: x10 at 6x7cm size.