Serviformica

Systematic position. The subgenus Serviformica belongs to the order Hymenoptera and the family Formicidae, within the genus Formica. These ants are known for their soil-nesting behavior and adaptability, often found in gardens, orchards, and agricultural fields where they establish extensive colonies.

Crops affected. Serviformica ants do not directly consume plant tissues but facilitate significant indirect damage. The most affected plants include fruit trees (apples, pears), berry bushes (currants, raspberries), and various ornamental plants. These crops are targeted because the ants farm aphids that feed on the sap of these specific plants.

Biology and life cycle. These ants exhibit a typical social structure with a queen, workers, and brood. The life cycle involves egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Following the winter dormancy, the colony activity ramps up in spring. Workers emerge to forage for food, primarily honeydew secreted by aphids, which is essential for the colony's energy requirements and larval development.

Nature of damage and harmfulness. The primary concern is the symbiotic relationship between these ants and aphids (and other sap-sucking insects). Ants actively defend aphids from natural predators and transport them to fresh plant shoots. This leads to heavy sap loss, stunted plant growth, leaf curling, and the secondary development of sooty mold, which severely weakens the plant's physiological functions.

Protection measures. Effective management involves disrupting the ant-aphid association and reducing the ant population in the root zone. Recommended practices include:

• Applying sticky barriers or grease bands around tree trunks to prevent access to the canopy.
• Using targeted bait stations containing slow-acting insecticides.
• Regular soil cultivation around plants to disturb nests and discourage settlement.
• Directly treating aphid infestations to reduce the food source for the ants.
• Maintaining healthy predator populations (e.g., ladybugs) that naturally control aphid levels.