A colony of these existed on Manor Park Station at least until work began in 2017 in preparation for the new Elizabeth Line.

The colony was located in rubble-based soil at the bottom of the embankment adjacent to Platform 4. Extensive work took place on this embankment in preparation for the forthcoming Elizabeth Line, but the ants were still present in May 2022.

I have also seen what appears to be the same species on an oak leaves at the edge of the grassland south-east of Alexandra Lake on Wanstead Flats. (see here)

I am not certain of the species, as they may be difficult to identify from a photograph, but the thorax has a reddish hue whereas the head does not. The most likely candidate is Formica cunicularia, which has been recorded from Wanstead Flats (Essex Field Club), and the habitat would likely suit it.

I have also found what appear to be the same species in the City of London Cemetery.