wood ant; Formica ant
Refers to ants of the genus Formica, commonly called wood ants. A biological term, but also used in everyday contexts when referring to these ants.
I found a wood ant nest in the forest.
ヤマアリは蟻酸を出すことで知られている。
Wood ants are known for spraying formic acid.
Usually written in katakana; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 山 (yama, 'mountain') and 蟻 (ari, 'ant'). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely refers to ants found in mountainous or forested areas.