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Formica

Ant genus · 238 species · 48 countries

Genus
Formica
Subfamily
Formicinae
Tribe
Formicini
Distribution
Found in 48 countries
Colony form
polygynous, monogynous, optionally polygynous, oligogynous
Nuptial flight
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Species count
238 species (56 fossil)

About Formica

Formica is a genus within the family Formicidae , classified in the subfamily Formicinae (tribe Formicini) . AntScout currently documents 238 species in this genus, distributed across 48 countries , including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Austria.

Species in this genus exhibit polygynous and monogynous and optionally polygynous and oligogynous colony structures. Monogynous colonies have a single reproductive queen, making them straightforward to start from a single founding queen - ideal for beginner ant keepers. Polygynous colonies can host multiple queens, allowing for rapid colony growth.

Nuptial flights of Formica species have been recorded during: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug. These flights are when new queens and males leave the nest to mate - the best time to find a founding queen in the wild.

Where Formica Is Found

Species in this genus are documented in 48 countries:

AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAustriaAzerbaijanBelgiumBulgariaCanadaChinaCroatiaCzechiaDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGeorgiaGermanyGreeceHondurasHungaryIndiaIran, Islamic Republic ofIrelandItalyJapanKazakhstanKorea, Republic ofKyrgyzstanLuxembourgMexicoMongoliaMoroccoNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRussian FederationSerbiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTajikistanTürkiyeUkraineUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandUnited States of AmericaUzbekistan

Frequently Asked Questions

How many species does Formica have?

The genus Formica includes 238 species documented on AntScout, spread across 48 countries. 56 of these are fossil species.

Where do Formica ants live?

Formica species are found in 48 countries , including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Austria. Distribution varies by species - check individual species pages for precise range maps.

When do Formica ants have their nuptial flight?

Nuptial flights of Formica species have been observed in Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug. This is the best time to find a founding queen in the wild. Use the AntScout flight calendar for species-specific predictions.

Can I buy Formica ants?

Formica ants may be available from ant dealers depending on your region. Some species are popular in the hobby and regularly sold as founding queens or small colonies. Check local antkeeping communities or specialty shops in your country.

Are Formica ants good for beginners?

This depends on the specific species. Some Formica species are beginner-friendly with straightforward care requirements, while others may need specific conditions. Browse the individual species profiles below for care difficulty and requirements.

All Formica Species (238)

Click a species to view its full profile, including distribution map, care information, nuptial flight calendar, and identification photos.