Turn over large stones or paving slabs in the garden and you are likely to find a red ant colony. This medium-sized ant can deliver a painful sting, so be careful! In summer, winged adults swarm and mate.
The red ant is commonly found under stones and logs in the garden, and also in soil and lawns. It is active throughout the year, but winged adults swarm in late summer during hot and humid weather; these 'flying ants' mate and eventually disperse to form new colonies.
What to look for
Living up to its name, the red ant has a reddish-brown body and a darker head. It is a medium-sized ant.
Where to find
Widespread.
Did you know?
Red ant workers have a surprisingly painful sting and will attack if disturbed.
