Red Barbed Ant
VU

Red Barbed Ant

Formica rufibarbis

Unknown

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

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Red Barbed Ant faces significant pressure from habitat fragmentation and loss of its specialized woodland environments, particularly ancient forests with suitable dead wood substrates. Agricultural intensification and urban development have reduced the availability of mature forest ecosystems essential for colony establishment. Climate change poses additional stress through altered precipitation patterns affecting the moisture-dependent microhabitats this species requires for successful reproduction and foraging.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Red Barbed Ant inhabits mature deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring areas with abundant dead wood, fallen logs, and well-developed understory vegetation. Colonies are typically established in rotting stumps or beneath bark of decaying trees, requiring stable moisture levels and protection from direct sunlight.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Red Barbed Ant classified as Vulnerable?
Red Barbed 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 Red Barbed Ant faces significant pressure from habitat fragmentation and loss of its specialized woodland environments, particularly ancient forests with suitable dead wood substrates. Agricultural intensification and urban development have reduced the availability of mature forest ecosystems essential for colony establishment. Climate change poses additional stress through altered precipitation patterns affecting the moisture-dependent microhabitats this species requires for successful reproduction and foraging.
Where does Red Barbed Ant live?
Red Barbed Ant occurs in Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and China (plus 34 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 Red Barbed Ant?
The main threats to Red Barbed 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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