Myrmica koreana

Myrmica koreana

Myrmica koreana is a small, yellowish ant species belonging to the schencki group. Workers measure around 0.90-0.96mm in head width and have a distinctive color pattern with yellowish-brown to brown mesosoma, waist, mandibles, antennae and legs, while the head and gaster are reddish brown ^[1]. Queens are notably small even relative to the workers, making them one of the smallest in their species group. This ant is native to the eastern Palaearctic region, ranging from South Korea and northeastern China through Mongolia to southeastern West Siberia. It inhabits steppes and steppe-like habitats on plains and mountains up to 1700m elevation, with nests built directly in soil featuring small woven entrance funnels ^[2].

What makes M. koreana interesting is its status as an opportunist species, it can colonize relatively harsh habitats including semi-desert areas, showing remarkable adaptability ^[3]. It was only described as a distinct species in 2001,having been previously misidentified as the related M. schencki. Nuptial flights occur in late summer (August-September), and colonies are typically single-queen structures.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Eastern Palaearctic region, South Korea, northeastern China, Mongolia, southeastern West Siberia, and Russian Far East. Inhabits steppes and steppe-like habitats on plains and mountains up to 1700m elevation, rarely found in light deciduous and mixed forests ^[2][4].
• Colony Type: Single-queen (monogyne) colonies. Nests are built in soil with small woven entrance funnels.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Small, mean head width 1.02mm ^[2]
  • Worker: 0.90-0.96mm head width ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown for this specific species, but typical Myrmica colonies reach several hundred workers
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for Myrmica genus
  • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on typical Myrmica development at optimal temperature) (Development time inferred from genus-level data as species-specific timing has not been documented)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-24°C. This species tolerates a range from cool to moderately warm conditions, reflecting its adaptation to steppe environments with variable temperatures ^[2]. A slight gradient allowing cooler areas is beneficial.
  • Humidity: Moderate. Keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. These ants naturally nest in soil in steppe habitats, so they prefer conditions that mimic well-drained but damp soil.
  • Diapause: Yes, requires winter hibernation. As a species from temperate regions with cold winters, colonies need a diapause period of 3-4 months at around 5-10°C ^[2].
  • Nesting: Soil-nesting species. In captivity, a naturalistic setup with soil or a plaster/acrylic nest with moist substrate works well. They build small entrance funnels, so providing some loose soil or sand for nest construction is beneficial.
• Behavior: Workers are moderately active and foragers. Like other Myrmica species, they may have a stinger but its effectiveness on human skin is minimal due to their small size. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend the nest if threatened. Escape risk is moderate, their small size means gaps in housing should be sealed properly. They are opportunist foragers, searching for protein sources and sugar.
• Common Issues: colonies may fail if kept too warm without proper hibernation, they need seasonal temperature cycling, small queen size means founding colonies are vulnerable, avoid disturbance during claustral founding, escape prevention is important due to their tiny worker size, overheating or drying out can quickly kill colonies, monitor humidity carefully, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that can devastate captive colonies

Nest Preferences and Housing

Myrmica koreana naturally nests in soil, constructing small woven entrance funnels at the nest opening ^[2]. In captivity, you can use a naturalistic setup with a soil chamber, a Y-tong (AAC) nest with moist substrate, or a plaster nest. The key is providing consistently moist but not waterlogged substrate, think damp soil, not soggy mud. These ants do well with some loose material they can manipulate, as they naturally build small structures. A small water reservoir connected to the nest helps maintain humidity. Because they come from steppe habitats, they don't need extremely high humidity, moderate moisture is sufficient.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, M. koreana is an opportunist feeder. Offer protein sources such as small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms), and provide sugar water or honey as an energy source. In the wild, they forage for small arthropods and likely tend aphids for honeydew. Feed protein 2-3 times per week for growing colonies, and keep a sugar source constantly available. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Since workers are tiny (under 1mm), prey items should be appropriately sized, very small insects or crushed prey works best for the smallest workers. ^[2]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep your colony at 20-24°C, with a slight gradient allowing workers to choose their preferred temperature. This species tolerates cooler conditions than many tropical ants, reflecting its steppe origins. More importantly, you must provide a proper winter hibernation. Reduce temperatures to 5-10°C for 3-4 months (typically November through February in the Northern Hemisphere). During hibernation, keep the colony dark and quiet, checking only occasionally that the substrate hasn't dried out completely. This rest period is essential for colony health and triggers reproductive behavior the following season. Do not skip hibernation, colonies that are kept warm year-round often decline. ^[2]

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Myrmica koreana workers are moderately sized for the genus but still quite small. They are active foragers and will search both the nest area and outworld for food. Colonies grow at a moderate pace, don't expect rapid expansion. The queen is small (around 1mm head width) but lays eggs consistently once established. Workers will defend the nest if threatened, but their small size and mild venom mean they pose minimal danger to keepers. Watch for claustral founding behavior: the new queen will seal herself in a chamber and not emerge until her first workers (nanitics) hatch. During this critical period, avoid any disturbance to the founding chamber. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References