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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Bees, Ants, and other Stinging Wasps » Ants, Stinging Wasps, and Hornets (Vespoidea) » Ants (Formicidae) » Formicinae » Formica » fusca group (Formica fusca group)
Photo#315485
Formica Behaviour Question - Formica - female
Copyright © 2009 Mardon Erbland

Formica Behaviour Question - Formica - Female
47.65064N 52.68233W (WGS84), Outer Cove, Northeast Avalon, Newfoundland/Labrador, Canada
August 4, 2009
Size: 7mm body length
Before I move this ant to the Formica fusca group Guide Page, I wanted to ask about the behaviour seen here. Is it common for an ant to be carrying the legless carcass of one of its own kind? Why would it be doing this and where would it be going?
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Contributed by Mardon Erbland on 5 August, 2009 - 2:47am
Last updated 5 August, 2009 - 7:52am

Moved
Thanks. I appreciate the explanation.
… Mardon Erbland, 5 August, 2009 - 7:52am login or register to post comments

Behavior
She is carrying this ant to clear the nest of any dead or dying inhabitants to prevent clutter and disease. This ant may be off track and have wandered to far but it appears that dumping the carcass is the reason she is carrying it. Most truly social insects will do this especially in the hymenoptera order.
… Gerald K. Watson, 5 August, 2009 - 6:57am login or register to post comments

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