noun
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.
森の中でヤマアリの巣を見つけた。
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.
A common species of wood ant in Japan, literally 'black mountain ant'.
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.