The Common Red Ant Natural History
Size
These ants grow to between 4-6mm and the queen is no larger than the workers.
Habitat and Distribution
Woodland and moorland as well as in towns, gardens and farmland.
Diet
They mostly feed on other insects but will eat some fruit.
Groups and Breeding
A colony of up to 5000 individuals may contain as many as 20 queens. The brood can develop in 3 months from egg to worker. However, a queen will take almost a year to develop.
Threats
This is a very abundant species in Europe, being found in every part of the UK (including being the only ant in Shetland). It is thought that it may be the most common ant in the UK.
Interesting facts
It is divided into two subspecies, one of which reproduces asexually and the other has males which mate the queens as they fly from the nest.
The Common Red Ant During Your Day Out in Kent
The Common Red Ants at Wingham Wildlife Park can be seen in the Bug Garden area of our park. This area is home to a wide variety of invertebrates including Salmon Pink Bird Eating Tarantula, Unicorn Snails and Sun Beetles.