PhD student from Belgium (ULB+VUB joint PhD), investigating invasive ant species in the context of urbanisation. I'm currently working to compile a list of all introduced ant species (indoors and outdoors) in Belgium, so please let me know if you think you found a (potentially) non-native ant in Belgium!

When identifying, I am most comfortable with ants (Formicidae) of the Palearctic region, though I also sometimes look at ants of other parts of the world and at yellowjackets and hornets (Vespinae) of Europe. More recently, I've developed an interest in myrmecophiles and am trying to expand my knowledge of them.

heatmap of my identifications

I of course sometimes make mistakes, so please let me know if you find any of my identifications questionable. I'm always happy to hear others' opinions. If you want me to take a look at an observation, don't hesitate to tag or message me :)

Languages: English, Dutch

Useful observation fields:
Gyne(s) present?
Drone(s) present?
Trophobiont
Tending ants
Myrmecophile
Host (for parasitic ants and pathogens)
Interaction->Parasitised by (I use this to indicate known pathogens like Aegeritella and Myrmicinosporidium)
Secretomorph(s) present
Significance (AoI)
Undescribed Ant Name
Formica pratensis morph
Genitalia visible

Macro setup (for pictures in the field):
Canon EOS750D
Laowa 60mm
420EX speedlite with AK diffuser (since March 2026)

Most of my specimen images are made with an MS002 200x phone microscope, sometimes I make additional images through a compound microscope. The large majority of my specimen images are stacked (using Zerene).

Favorite Taxa

View All