| Myrmica rubra | |
|---|---|
| |
| worker | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Myrmicinae |
| Genus: | Myrmica |
| Species: | M. rubra
|
| Binomial name | |
| Myrmica rubra | |
Myrmica rubra, also known as the common red ant or the European fire ant,[1] is a species of ant of the genus Myrmica. It is found across Europe and is now invasive in some parts of North America[2] and Asia.[1] It is mainly red in colour, with slightly darker pigmentation on the head. These ants live under stones and fallen trees, and in soil. They are aggressive, often attacking rather than running away, and are equipped with a stinger, though they lack the ability to spray formic acid like the genus Formica.[3]
This species is very similar to M. ruginodis, but M. rubra is the commoner of the two.[citation needed]
The larvae of the butterflies Phengaris alcon (Alcon blue) and P. teleius (scarce large blue) use M. rubra as their primary host.[1]
- ^ a b c "European fire ant". Featured Creatures. University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved 2008-06-25.
- ^ "Myrmecol. News 14: 87-96". myrmecologicalnews.org. Retrieved 2019-03-14.
- ^ "Myrmica rubra (insect)". issg.org. Retrieved 2008-06-25.