Ant ID please - Wildlife Gardeners

Hedgerowe · 07-19-2009, 11:33 AM

A Loblolly Pine that I planted this spring is covered with these ants. The other 4 that I planted last fall are not. What is going on? Do I need to be concerned?

You will probably have to double-click on the photo to make it big enough to see the ants. The ants in the other photos that I tried to take (that were closer) were too blurry.

MrILoveTheAnts · 07-19-2009, 05:01 PM

They appear to be some species of Formica to me. They collect sap as an antibiotic to keep the colony clean. And favor some plants as well groups of aphids randomly each year.

Hedgerowe · 07-19-2009, 05:04 PM

So, ants AND tree are happy?

MrILoveTheAnts · 07-19-2009, 05:18 PM

Yes they should be.

Hedgerowe · 07-19-2009, 05:21 PM

Thank you, MrILoveTheAnts! I posted this inquiry in the hope that you would see it, and knew that you would be able to help.

07-19-2009, 11:33 AM	#1
Hedgerowe Pope Join Date: May 2009 Location: Virginia	Ant ID please A Loblolly Pine that I planted this spring is covered with these ants. The other 4 that I planted last fall are not. What is going on? Do I need to be concerned? You will probably have to double-click on the photo to make it big enough to see the ants. The ants in the other photos that I tried to take (that were closer) were too blurry. Attached Thumbnails

07-19-2009, 05:01 PM	#2
MrILoveTheAnts 1st Place Winner Winner Butterfly/Moth Contest & Official Ant Man Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Jersey	They appear to be some species of Formica to me. They collect sap as an antibiotic to keep the colony clean. And favor some plants as well groups of aphids randomly each year. __________________ MrILoveTheAnt's Blog, Ant Chat, & Native Plants for Honeybees

07-19-2009, 05:18 PM	#4
MrILoveTheAnts 1st Place Winner Winner Butterfly/Moth Contest & Official Ant Man Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Jersey	Yes they should be. __________________ MrILoveTheAnt's Blog, Ant Chat, & Native Plants for Honeybees

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07-19-2009, 05:04 PM	#3
Hedgerowe Pope Join Date: May 2009 Location: Virginia	So, ants AND tree are happy?

07-19-2009, 05:21 PM	#5
Hedgerowe Pope Join Date: May 2009 Location: Virginia	Thank you, MrILoveTheAnts! I posted this inquiry in the hope that you would see it, and knew that you would be able to help.