Myrmica kasczenkoi

Myrmica kasczenkoi

Myrmica kasczenkoi is a small to medium-sized Myrmica ant native to the steppes and dry pine forests of eastern Asia. Workers are brown to reddish-brown with a coarsely rugose head and short, downcurved propodeal spines. They measure around 4-5mm as workers, with queens being larger. This species belongs to the lobicornis group and is closely related to Myrmica pisarskii, differing mainly in the shape of its antennal scape. Found across Mongolia, Korea, and southern Siberia, these ants nest in soil under stones in dry, open habitats at elevations from 600 to 2,400 meters ^[1][2].

What makes M. kasczenkoi interesting is its preference for steppe environments, it's one of the few Myrmica species that truly thrives in dry, open habitats rather than the damp forest edges typical of most members of this genus. Nuptial flights occur from August to September, which is later in the year than many related species ^[3].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Eastern Asia, found in Mongolia, Korea, and southern Siberia (Russia). Inhabits dry and light pine forests and steppes at elevations of 600-2,400 meters ^[4][2].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Myrmica patterns, though colony structure hasn't been specifically studied for this species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Larger than workers, estimated 6-7mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: Approximately 4-5mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown for this specific species, but Myrmica colonies typically reach several hundred workers
  • Growth: Moderate, typical Myrmica development
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Myrmica development at warm temperatures ^[5] (Development time is inferred from genus-level data since species-specific timing hasn't been studied)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-24°C. They prefer warmer conditions than many Myrmica since they're from steppe habitats. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a gentle gradient ^[3].
  • Humidity: Low to moderate, these are dry habitat ants. Keep the nest substrate slightly moist but allow it to dry between waterings. Avoid the damp conditions preferred by forest-dwelling Myrmica species.
  • Diapause: Yes, Myrmica species require winter hibernation. Keep colonies at 5-10°C for 3-4 months during winter, typically from late October to early March in the Northern Hemisphere ^[3].
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests work well. They prefer干燥 (dry) conditions, so avoid overly moist setups. Provide a small water chamber but don't saturate the nest. Naturalistic setups with stones over soil also work since they naturally nest under stones in the wild ^[6].
• Behavior: Workers are moderately active and typically not aggressive. They have a functional stinger but rarely use it on humans due to their small size. Like most Myrmica, they are scavengers and predators, collecting honeydew and small insects. Escape risk is moderate, their 4-5mm size means standard escape prevention works well, but they can climb smooth surfaces. They are more active at warmer temperatures and may become sluggish below 15°C.
• Common Issues: dry conditions are essential, too much moisture leads to mold and colony decline, hibernation is mandatory, skipping winter rest weakens and can kill colonies, slow growth compared to tropical species means beginners may lose patience, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that cause problems in captivity, queens can be difficult to establish, ensure claustral founding conditions are optimal

Nest Preferences and Housing

Myrmica kasczenkoi naturally nests in soil, often under stones in dry, open habitats. In captivity, they do well in Y-tong (acrylic) nests or plaster nests that allow some humidity control. The key is keeping conditions drier than typical for most Myrmica, think steppe, not forest floor. A small water chamber for humidity is fine, but the main nest area should stay relatively dry. Test tube setups work for founding colonies, but you'll need to move them to a proper formicarium once the colony reaches 20-30 workers. Because they nest under stones in the wild, providing a flat stone or similar surface in a naturalistic setup can encourage natural behavior ^[6].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, M. kasczenkoi is omnivorous. Workers collect honeydew from aphids and tend scale insects in the wild, so sugar water or honey water should be available at all times. They also need protein from small insects, flightless fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms, and similar prey items work well. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on colony size. Sugar water can be offered in a test tube with a cotton wick or via a feeding dish. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Since they're from steppe habitats with likely seasonal food availability, they may not accept food as aggressively as tropical species, this is normal ^[5].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

These are warm-preferring Myrmica compared to their forest-dwelling relatives. Keep the nest at 20-24°C during the active season. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a temperature gradient that lets ants choose their preferred spot. During summer, room temperature in this range is usually sufficient. Come autumn, you'll need to prepare for hibernation, this is critical for Myrmica health and reproduction. From late October through February/March, move the colony to a cool location (5-10°C) like an unheated garage or refrigerator. Do not feed during hibernation. Gradual cooling and warming (over 1-2 weeks each) prevents temperature shock. Skipping hibernation weakens queens and can cause colony collapse over time ^[3].

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Myrmica kasczenkoi workers are moderately sized and not particularly aggressive, though they will sting if threatened. Their stinger is functional but small, most keepers won't feel it. Colonies are single-queen (monogyne) based on typical genus patterns, with workers raising the brood cooperatively. Workers are active foragers that will scout for food and recruit nestmates via chemical trails. Unlike some Myrmica that form large supercolonies, this species typically maintains smaller, discrete colonies. The colony will grow over several years, with queens living potentially 10-15 years under good conditions. Expect the first workers (nanitics) to be smaller than mature workers, this is normal ^[5].

Frequently Asked Questions

References