Wood Ants

The nests of wood ants are characteristic of Caledonian Pinewoods. There are three species present in Scotland, all are recognised as of conservation importance with their own Species Action Plans as part of the UK Biodiversity process.

This impressive rounded mound of pine needles has been carefully constructed by the worker ants to maintain a specific temperature and humidity in the nest. The south side of the nest is less steep to maximise solar gain. Underground is a series of chambers where the eggs and pupae develop.

As I approached this nest, the tracks of the worker ants foraging in the surrounding trees for needles and invertebrates was very clear amongst the carpet of blaeberry.