[2] This species is distributed through the majority of Europe, from Spain to western Siberia and from Scandinavia to the Balkans.

[4] Underground nest are usually built in dry and sunny sand habitats with scarce vegetation.

As an adaptation to open habitats these ants have good vision and can run very fast.

Colonies may either be monogyne or polygyne, the latter frequently develop into vast and very populous polydomous systems.

The swarming takes place from June to August, with a winter rest from October to March.