Metsämuurahainen

Metsämuurahainen is the Finnish name for the red wood ant species Formica rufa. These ants are commonly found in coniferous and mixed forests across Europe and parts of Asia. They are known for their large, dome-shaped nests, often constructed from pine needles, twigs, and other plant debris. These mounds can reach significant sizes, sometimes several meters in diameter and height, and are vital to the forest ecosystem.

Metsämuurahainen colonies are highly social and can contain hundreds of thousands of individuals, organized into a strict caste system with queens, workers, and males. Workers are responsible for foraging, nest maintenance, and defense. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, honeydew produced by aphids, and plant matter. Their foraging activities play a role in pest control within their environment.

These ants are also recognized for their ability to produce formic acid, which they use for defense and to communicate. The presence of large wood ant colonies is often an indicator of a healthy forest. Their nests provide habitat for other species, and their activity contributes to nutrient cycling. Metsämuurahainen are a significant component of forest biodiversity.