Myrmecia haskinsorum

Myrmecia haskinsorum - "Alpine Jack Jumper Ant"

Myrmecia haskinsorum is a large, striking bulldog ant native to high-elevation regions of southeastern Australia and Tasmania. Workers measure 11.6-12.0mm in total length, making them substantial ants with a distinct appearance. Unlike most Myrmecia species, this ant has almost no visible hairs on its body, giving it a sleeker profile. The body is notably darker, more blackish, than related species in the pilosula group, with darker brown leg sections. Live specimens display a unique diffuse bluish cast across their body, similar to the bloom on grape skin, though this fades when the ant is preserved or dies ^[1].

This species is a member of the Myrmecia pilosula species complex and was formally described in 2015,previously being confused with M. pilosula in museum collections. It inhabits alpine and subalpine regions where nests are often buried under winter snow. The species is named in honor of Caryl P. Haskins and his wife Edna Haskins for their pioneering research on Australian ants. Like other Myrmecia, this species has a potent sting that can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive humans ^[2].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: High-elevation regions of southeastern Australia, including the Snowy Mountains (NSW), Victorian Alps, and upland Tasmania. Nests are typically found at elevations from 200m to 1,608m, with the highest records from Dead Horse Gap in the Snowy Mountains. The species is adapted to cold alpine conditions where nests are regularly covered by winter snow ^[1].
• Colony Type: Monogyne, single queen colonies. Myrmecia species typically have single-queen colonies, though detailed colony structure for M. haskinsorum specifically is not well-documented.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not specifically documented for this species, genus estimate 14-16mm
  • Worker: 11.6-12.0mm total length, HW 2.34-2.46mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Not specifically documented, related Myrmecia species typically reach several hundred workers
  • Growth: Moderate, based on typical Myrmecia development patterns
  • Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks based on genus patterns for Myrmecia species in cool climates (Development likely slower than tropical Myrmecia due to cold alpine habitat, expect extended development times)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep cool, aim for 15-22°C range. This is a cold-adapted alpine species that naturally experiences snow cover, so avoid overheating. Room temperature (18-22°C) is likely ideal. Do not exceed 25°C.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity. Provide a water tube and keep nest substrate slightly moist but not wet. Being from alpine regions, they tolerate cooler, drier conditions than tropical ants.
  • Diapause: Yes, required. As a cold-adapted species from high elevations with snowy winters, colonies need a winter rest period. Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter, mimicking natural alpine conditions.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests work well. Provide deep chambers since they naturally nest underground. Avoid overheating. A test tube setup can work for founding colonies.
• Behavior: Myrmecia are known for their aggressive defense and powerful sting. Workers are active foragers that hunt prey and will readily defend the nest. They are visual hunters using their excellent eyesight to spot prey and threats. This species is likely less aggressive than some Myrmecia but still capable of delivering painful stings. Escape prevention is important, these are large, strong ants that can climb smooth surfaces. They are diurnal and will forage during daylight hours, especially in cooler parts of the day.
• Common Issues: sting hazard, use gloves when working with colonies, as venom can cause severe allergic reactions, overheating, being from cold alpine regions, they do poorly in warm conditions above 25°C, hibernation failure, colonies may weaken or die if proper winter rest is not provided, slow growth, expect longer development times than tropical species, patience is required, escape risk, large ants can escape through gaps, use tight-fitting barriers

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmecia haskinsorum is best kept in Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster formicariums that provide cool, stable conditions. These ants come from cold alpine environments, so overheating is a serious risk, never place the nest in direct sunlight or near heat sources. A test tube setup works well for founding colonies. Provide a water tube for drinking water, as Myrmecia will drink readily. The nest should have chambers sized appropriately for the colony size, these are large ants requiring adequate space. Outworld temperature should remain below 25°C, with the nest area ideally in the 18-22°C range. Use escape prevention barriers as these are strong, agile ants capable of climbing smooth surfaces. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Myrmecia haskinsorum is a predatory species that hunts insects and other small invertebrates. In captivity, offer live prey such as crickets, mealworms, roaches, and other appropriately-sized insects. They will also accept sugar sources, a mix of honey water or sugar water should be provided regularly. Feed protein prey 2-3 times per week, and keep sugar water available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Being alpine hunters, they are most active during cooler parts of the day and may be more receptive to feeding during morning or evening hours.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This is a cold-adapted species requiring cool conditions. Keep the nest at 18-22°C and avoid temperatures above 25°C. During winter, provide a diapause period of 2-3 months at 10-15°C to mimic natural alpine conditions. This winter rest is essential for colony health, colonies that are kept warm year-round may become stressed or have shortened lifespans. The species naturally experiences snow cover and freezing temperatures, so they are well-adapted to cool conditions. Do not use heating mats or cables with this species unless your room is extremely cold. ^[1]

Behavior and Handling

Myrmecia haskinsorum workers are defensive and will readily sting when threatened. They are visual hunters with excellent eyesight and will investigate movement near their nest. When working with colonies, use gloves and move slowly to avoid provoking defensive behavior. The sting is painful and can cause severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals, this is a medical emergency in some cases. Workers are large and powerful, capable of delivering multiple stings. These ants are diurnal, being most active during daylight hours. They forage individually rather than in groups, hunting prey across the outworld. ^[2]

Growth and Development

Colony growth is moderate to slow, typical of Myrmecia species in cool climates. The queen lays eggs after establishing the colony, and the first workers (nanitics) will emerge after several months. Development from egg to worker likely takes 8-12 weeks at optimal temperatures, possibly longer given the cold-adapted nature of this species. Workers are substantial from the start, measuring nearly full adult size. Colonies will grow gradually over several years to reach several hundred workers. Patience is essential, Myrmecia colonies do not grow as quickly as many tropical ant species. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References