About Narrow-headed Ant
A bicolored red and black wood ant with a distinctly notched head. It builds low thatched mounds in open heathland and is declining across much of its European range.
Did You Know?
In the UK it is one of the rarest ant species and is legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
How to Identify Narrow-headed Ant
Narrow-headed Ant (Formica exsecta) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Formicidae. Adults typically measure 4-7 mm.
Narrow-headed Ant Habitat
Narrow-headed Ant is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Europe, Northern Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Narrow-headed Ant Diet and Feeding
Narrow-headed Ant has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Narrow-headed Ant Found?
Narrow-headed Ant can be found in Europe, Northern Asia, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Narrow-headed Ant can be found
Is Narrow-headed Ant Dangerous?
Narrow-headed Ant belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Narrow-headed Ant Role in Nature
Narrow-headed Ant plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Narrow-headed Ant are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Narrow-headed Ant
What does Narrow-headed Ant look like?
The Narrow-headed Ant typically measures 4-7 mm.
Where is Narrow-headed Ant found?
The Narrow-headed Ant is found in Europe, Northern Asia and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Narrow-headed Ant eat?
The Narrow-headed Ant has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Narrow-headed Ant dangerous to humans?
The Narrow-headed Ant belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Narrow-headed Ant endangered?
The Narrow-headed Ant is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Narrow-headed Ant?
In the UK it is one of the rarest ant species and is legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Narrow-headed Ant (Formica exsecta). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/narrow-headed-ant
MLA:
"Narrow-headed Ant." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/narrow-headed-ant.