Insects and Spiders - native

Western Thatching Ant (Formica obscuripes) on Apr 1, 2026

Originally reported as Imported Red Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Looks like fire ants. Large mound made of dirt and grass. Red head and thorax with darker abdomen

Commentary

Avatar of commenter Thank you for your report! This is a mound made by Thatching ants (Formica species), native woodland ants.

Tom Valente
April 1, 2026, 8:50 a.m.

Location

Before the junction of Kings Mountain and Elk Mountain on the north side of the trail, there is an offshoot that goes uphill to a clearing. There is a mound at the edge of the clearing before the drop off on the SW side.

Expert Reviewer

Avatar of Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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