L o a d i n g
colony
15 m3
at 6 m
48.2ºN
[tingly] tree
wood
colonizing
rough
invertebrates
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
[tingly] tree
colony
15 m3
at 6 m
48.2ºN
wood
colonizing
rough
invertebrates
Austria
Vienna, Prater
48.2089°N, 16.4103°E
28/05/2025, 1:21pm
Provided by Fiona Haller and Flora Herberth
The black wood ant (Formica fusca) lives in large colonies with a single queen and thousands of workers. It builds nests from soil and plant material, typically in forests. This species plays as well an important role in the ecosystem by preying on pests and aerating the soil. While protected in some regions, it is widely regarded as highly beneficial to forest ecosystems.
The black wood ant (Formica fusca) thrives on oak trees, where rough bark and crevices offer shelter and nesting sites. Oaks often host aphids that produce honeydew, an important food source for these ants. The tree’s microclimate provides protection for brood, making it both a secure habitat and a rich feeding ground for large colonies.
This oak tree attracts black wood ants and other insects because its rough bark and cavities provide shelter and access routes. Decaying sections offer soft material for nesting, while the shaded base creates a stable, humid microclimate. Aphids on the tree supply honeydew, making it both a safe habitat and a rich food source that supports long-term colony growth.
The Green Prater in Vienna is a diverse natural area with meadows, wetlands, and old floodplain forests. It provides habitat for numerous species, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals like deer, foxes, and squirrels. Its mix of water, trees, and open space makes it a vital refuge for urban wildlife and a peaceful escape for visitors.
Black wood ants (Formica fusca) build their nests mainly in soil, under stones, or in decaying wood on the ground. While they do not usually nest in trees, they rely on them for foraging. Oaks and other trees provide pathways, shelter in bark crevices, and access to honeydew from aphids, making them an essential food source and part of their habitat.
