Common Name – Western Thatching Ant

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Formicidae

Formica obscuripes, commonly known as the western thatching ant, is a large, reddish-black ant native to North America.

These ants are most found in open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows, where they build large, dome-shaped mounds made of plant material such as twigs, grass, and pine needles.

These mounds serve as both nests and temperature-regulating structures.

The ants are easily recognizable by their reddish-brown thorax and black head and abdomen. Workers vary in size but are generally robust and aggressive, especially when defending their colony.

Formica obscuripes are omnivorous and play a vital ecological role. They feed on a variety of insects, particularly caterpillars and other soft-bodied arthropods, helping to control pest populations. They also tend aphids for honeydew, forming mutualistic relationships that benefit both species.

These ants are known for their complex social structure and cooperative behavior, often forming large colonies with multiple queens. Their industrious nature and ecological impact make them a fascinating subject of study in entomology and ecology.