Formica fusca, the common black ant of Europe. F. fusca nests are usually found in rotten tree stumps or under stones in clearcut areas and along woodland borders and hedgerows.
Colonies are polygynous and nests are usually small, containing up to 2,000 workers. The workers are large (8-10 mm) and fast moving, though timid. F. fusca feeds on small insects, aphid honeydew and extra floral nectaries.
Fusca is a shy species and workers will dash for cover when their nest is disturbed. It can be difficult to observe natural behaviour in F. fusca in captivity as vibrations such as those caused by lifting a container lid can startle the ants.
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