Black-backed Meadow Ant
VU

Black-backed Meadow Ant

Formica pratensis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formica_pratensis

Overview

Formica pratensis, the black-backed meadow ant, is a species of European red wood ant in the family Formicidae.

The Black-backed Meadow Ant faces significant population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development, which destroys the semi-natural grasslands essential for colony establishment. Climate change and altered land management practices further threaten remaining populations by disrupting the specific microhabitat conditions these ants require for successful reproduction and colony survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Semi-natural grasslands, meadows, pastures, and open woodland edges with well-drained soils and sparse vegetation cover. The species requires areas with adequate sun exposure and specific soil conditions suitable for constructing large, dome-shaped nest mounds.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Formicidae

VU

sydhedmyra

Formica bruni

Unknown
Formica pressilabrisVU

Formica pressilabris

Unknown
gewone drentelmierVU

gewone drentelmier

Stenamma debile

Unknown
Slave-making AntVU

Slave-making Ant

Formica sanguinea

Unknown

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Syndyas nigripes

Unknown
Chrysotus cupreusCR

Chrysotus cupreus

Unknown
VU

narulukkokiiluri

Syntormon filiger

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Black-backed Meadow Ant classified as Vulnerable?
Black-backed Meadow Ant is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Black-backed Meadow Ant faces significant population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development, which destroys the semi-natural grasslands essential for colony establishment. Climate change and altered land management practices further threaten remaining populations by disrupting the specific microhabitat conditions these ants require for successful reproduction and colony survival.
Where does Black-backed Meadow Ant live?
Black-backed Meadow Ant occurs in Åland Islands, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, and Bosnia & Herzegovina (plus 40 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Black-backed Meadow Ant?
The main threats to Black-backed Meadow Ant are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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