About Formica cunicularia Latreille, 1798
Formica cunicularia Latreille, 1798 is a species of ant distributed across Europe. It is especially common in western Europe and southern England, with a range extending from southern Scandinavia to northern Africa, and from Portugal to the Urals. In England, researcher Donisthorpe recorded the species occurring as far north as Bewdley in Worcestershire.
Workers of this species are an ashy grey-black in color, and typically measure 4.0–6.5 mm in length. Males have a uniformly dark body, and measure 8.0–9.0 mm long. Queens range from yellowish-red to dark black in color, and measure 7.5–9.0 mm long.
Habitats for F. cunicularia range from open, to relatively cluttered, to visually rich environments. In Finland, researcher Albrecht found all nests of this species were small with single entrances, located in dry, hot environments with low vegetation. The ants nest under stones or in small earth mounds. Nests are usually separate, with each nest containing one queen. Unlike most other species belonging to the Formica fusca group, F. cunicularia can form noticeable hillocks above its nests. Near its nests, it also creates travel runs similar to those made by Formica rufibarbis.
