Rare ant nest stolen from its last known English site

Crime · First reported 2 Nov, 10:34 · Updated 10:46

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

A nest of narrow-headed ants was dug up from Chudleigh Knighton Heath in south Devon, the last place in England where the species survives. Conservationists say the loss could set back recovery work; the theft has been reported to police.

Devon Wildlife Trust said researchers found a hollow and signs of digging at a known nest during checks in mid-October.
A nest may contain 1,000 to 5,000 ants and one or more queens that can live up to 25 years.
The reserve is the last place in England where narrow-headed ants survive; the species has declined as heathland habitat has been lost to development and agricultural change.
The theft was reported to Devon and Cornwall Police, which is seeking information from the public.
Devon Wildlife Trust said the loss sets back conservation work; a joint effort with Buglife to improve the ants’ prospects began this year with government support.

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Key facts

Location: Chudleigh Knighton Heath nature reserve, south Devon.
Discovery: Researchers found a hollow and signs of digging during checks in mid-October.
Possible colony size: A nest can hold 1,000 to 5,000 ants.
Queen lifespan: One or more queens may live up to 25 years.
Police: The theft was reported to Devon and Cornwall Police.
Recorded nests: The Independent reports 142 active nests in the Trust’s latest survey.