Myrmica rubra, also known as the
European fire ant or
common red ant, is a species of ant of the genus
Myrmica, found all over
Europe and in some parts of
North America and
Asia. They are mainly red in colour, with slightly darker pigmentation on the head. The ants live under stones, fallen trees, and in soil. They are aggressive ants, often attacking rather than running away, and are equipped with a sting, though lack the ability to spray
formic acid like the genus
Formica.