Myrmica caucasicola

Myrmica caucasicola

Myrmica caucasicola is a reddish-brown ant species belonging to the Myrmica schencki group, native to the Caucasus region. Workers measure around 4-6mm and feature the characteristic red coloration typical of Myrmica ants, with relatively long body hairs. This species closely resembles Myrmica schencki but can be distinguished by its wider frons and notably smaller lobe at the scape bend. Males have distinctive very long erect hairs on their tibiae and tarsi, a feature shared with the similar Myrmica ravasinii. The species was originally described as a subspecies of M. schencki in 1934 before being elevated to full species status in 1994 ^[1].

This ant inhabits dry mountain forests at elevations between 700-1600 meters, making it a temperate species adapted to cooler, mountainous conditions. The Caucasus region experiences distinct seasons, so these ants have evolved to require a winter hibernation period. They are ground-nesting ants that prefer well-drained soils in forested areas ^[1][2].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Caucasus region, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Inhabits dry mountain forests at altitudes of 700-1600 meters ^[1][2][3].
• Colony Type: Monogyne, single queen colonies. This follows the typical Myrmica pattern of one functional queen per colony ^[1].
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Approximately 6-7mm based on genus typical size ^[1].
  • Worker: Approximately 4-6mm ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown for this specific species, but Myrmica colonies typically reach several hundred to a few thousand workers ^[1].
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for temperate Myrmica species ^[1].
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Myrmica development at optimal temperatures ^[1]. (Development is temperature-dependent, cooler temperatures will slow development significantly)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep nest area at 20-24°C during active season. Provide a temperature gradient so ants can self-regulate. Room temperature in the low 20s°C is typically suitable for this temperate species ^[1].
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity requirements. Keep nest substrate lightly moist but not waterlogged. These ants prefer well-drained conditions matching their dry mountain forest habitat ^[1].
  • Diapause: Yes, requires winter hibernation. Keep colony at 5-10°C for 3-4 months during winter (roughly October to March in the Northern Hemisphere). This is essential for colony health and reproduction ^[1].
  • Nesting: Ground-nesting species that prefers soil nests in forested areas. In captivity, standard test tubes, Y-tong nests, or plaster nests work well. Provide a moisture gradient within the nest ^[1].
• Behavior: Workers are moderately active and typically non-aggressive toward keepers. Like most Myrmica species, they have a functional stinger but rarely use it unless directly threatened. They are foragers that collect protein (insects) and sugar sources (honeydew, sugar water). Workers are medium-sized and can climb well, but escape prevention is standard, they are not particularly strong climbers compared to some genera. They show typical Myrmica behavior of maintaining clear trails to food sources ^[1].
• Common Issues: hibernation failure, colonies that don't receive proper winter rest often decline and stop producing brood, humidity mismanagement, too wet causes fungal problems, too dry causes brood death, overheating, keep below 25°C, they are adapted to cooler mountain conditions, slow growth can frustrate beginners, Myrmica develop more slowly than tropical species, wild-caught colonies may contain parasites that can devastate captive colonies

Nest Preferences and Housing

Myrmica caucasicola is a ground-nesting species that naturally excavates nests in soil within dry mountain forests. In captivity, they adapt well to various nest types including test tubes, Y-tong (acrylic) nests, and plaster nests. The key is providing a moisture gradient, a humid chamber for brood and a drier area for the queen. For test tube setups, use a standard water reservoir setup with cotton separation. The colony will need space to expand as it grows, so consider providing additional tubes or a larger formicarium as the colony reaches several hundred workers. These ants do not require elaborate naturalistic setups, but they do appreciate some substrate depth if using a naturalistic terrarium ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, Myrmica caucasicola is omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods. In captivity, offer small insects such as fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms, or other appropriately sized arthropods. They will also readily accept sugar water, honey, or diluted honey as an energy source. Feed protein roughly twice weekly, and keep a sugar source available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. In the wild, they likely consume honeydew from aphids and other small invertebrates found in their forest habitat. Fresh killed insects are generally more readily accepted than live ones, especially for smaller colonies ^[1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This is a temperate species requiring distinct seasonal care. During the active season (spring through fall), maintain nest temperatures between 20-24°C. They can tolerate brief periods outside this range but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 25°C should be avoided. As autumn approaches and daylight decreases, begin reducing temperatures gradually to prepare for hibernation. Winter hibernation is essential, keep the colony at 5-10°C (a refrigerator works well) for approximately 3-4 months. During hibernation, the colony will be largely inactive. Do not feed during hibernation but ensure the water reservoir in test tube setups does not dry out. Resume normal temperatures in spring to trigger renewed activity and brood production ^[1].

Behavior and Temperament

Myrmica caucasicola workers are moderately docile and primarily focused on foraging and brood care. They maintain clear pheromone trails to food sources and will quickly recruit nestmates when a good food source is discovered. While they possess a stinger, they rarely sting unless physically restrained or the nest is severely disturbed. Their sting is not medically significant for healthy adults but can cause brief discomfort. Workers are medium-sized and capable climbers, though standard escape prevention measures (fluon on rim edges, tight-fitting lids) should still be used. The colony will establish a clear division of labor with workers specializing in foraging, brood care, and nest maintenance. Queens remain primarily in the nest once founding is complete ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

References