Red-barbed ant

Description

Formica rufibarbis is a European formicine ant of the Formica fusca group.In the classification by Auguste Forel,it is treated in the subgenus Serviformica.F.rufibarbis is subject to a Species Action Plan (SAP) in England,where it is known from only two locations,although it is not considered to be at risk on continental Europe.The Red-barbed Ant is readily identified by its relatively large size and distinctive coloration of a blackish head and thorax,contrasting with a light reddish thorax.Small dark workers do occur and may be mistaken for F.fusca,although there is always a degree of colouration between thorax and abdomen.Workers can also be confused with F.cunicularia which does not have hairs on the thorax.