Wood Ant (likely Red Wood Ant or Southern Wood Ant)

Typically found in coniferous or mixed deciduous forests, often building large mound nests of pine needles and organic debris.

Omnivorous, feeding on other invertebrates, carrion, and the honeydew produced by aphids which they actively tend.

Highly social insects with complex colonies; known for aggressive defense of their territory and the ability to spray formic acid from their abdomens to deter predators.

Generally beneficial for forest ecosystems as they help control pest insect populations and aerate the soil. They do not sting but can bite and spray formic acid, which might cause mild skin irritation for humans.