Myrmica latra

Myrmica latra

Myrmica latra is a recently described socially-parasitic ant species from the Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh, India) discovered in 2016. It belongs to the smythiesii species group and is a permanent social parasite (inquiline) that lives exclusively in nests of its host species, Myrmica aimonissabaudiae. The queen has distinctive morphological features characteristic of the inquiline syndrome, including a distinctly widened petiole and postpetiole, well-developed ventral lobes, and abundant body hairs. The body is brownish-black with lighter brownish appendages. The species name 'latra' comes from Latin meaning 'robber' or 'thief', fitting for a social parasite ^[1][2].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Himalayan region of India (Himachal Pradesh) at altitudes 2260-2740m. Nests are located under stones in areas with low vegetation and scattered Pinus and Cedrus trees ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Permanent social parasite (inquiline), requires host colony of Myrmica aimonissabaudiae to survive. Cannot form independent colonies ^[1][3].
  • Queen: Socially parasitic
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Approximately 5mm total length (HL 1.23mm, HW 1.08mm) ^[1]
  • Worker: Similar to host species, approximately 4-5mm
  • Colony: Cannot establish independently, lives within host colony
  • Growth: Cannot be established without host colony
  • Development: Unconfirmed, cannot develop independently without host (This is a permanent social parasite that requires a host colony. No independent development occurs.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep nest at 18-19°C based on recorded nest conditions in the wild ^[1][2].
  • Humidity: Maintain 66-76% humidity, recorded nest humidity ranged from 66% at one site to 76% at another ^[1][2].
  • Diapause: Likely requires cold period similar to other Himalayan Myrmica species, likely 3-4 months at 5-10°C
  • Nesting: Found under stones in natural habitat. In captivity would require naturalistic setup with established host colony. Y-tong or plaster nests with stable, cool conditions work best.
• Behavior: This species is a permanent social parasite and cannot survive without its host Myrmica aimonissabaudiae. The queen invades the host nest and integrates into the colony, using host workers to raise her brood. As an inquiline, it is not aggressive and does not have specialized defense mechanisms, it relies entirely on host acceptance. Escape risk is moderate (similar to host species size).
• Common Issues: Cannot establish colony without host, requires Myrmica aimonissabaudiae host colony, Finding and maintaining a host colony is extremely difficult, Parasitic queens may be rejected by host colonies, Extremely rare in the antkeeping hobby, virtually unavailable, Requires cool, stable conditions matching Himalayan mountain habitat, Wild-caught specimens may have parasites or damage from collection

Understanding Myrmica latra as a Social Parasite

Myrmica latra is what researchers call an 'inquiline', a permanent social parasite that spends its entire life within the nest of another ant species, in this case Myrmica aimonissabaudiae. Unlike temporary parasites that invade a host colony, kill the host queen, and then establish their own colony, inquiline queens integrate peacefully into the host colony and are tended by host workers ^[1][3]. This lifestyle is reflected in their morphology: they have distinctly widened petioles and postpetioles (the 'waist' segments), well-developed ventral lobes, and abundant body hairs, all features typical of inquiline ant species. The species was only described in 2016,making it one of the newest known ant species, and it is known only from the Himalayan region of India ^[1]. For antkeepers, this means M. latra cannot be kept as a standalone colony, you must maintain a thriving colony of Myrmica aimonissabaudiae as a host ^[3].

Housing and Nesting Requirements

In the wild, M. latra is found under stones in mountainous areas with low vegetation and scattered pine and cedar trees at elevations between 2260-2740 meters ^[1][2]. The nest sites have specific conditions: temperatures of 18-19°C and humidity between 66-76% ^[1][2]. For captive care, you would need to replicate these cool, stable conditions. A naturalistic setup with flat stones or a Y-tong nest with narrow chambers would work, but the critical requirement is establishing a healthy host colony of Myrmica aimonissabaudiae first. The nest should be kept in a cool location, room temperature may actually be too warm. Consider using a cooling setup or keeping the nest in a consistently cool room. Humidity should be moderate but not wet, aim for the 66-76% range recorded in natural nests ^[1][2].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

The recorded nest temperatures for M. latra are remarkably cool: 18°C at one site and 19°C at another ^[1][2]. This makes them one of the cooler-loving Myrmica species. In captivity, you should aim to keep the nest in this temperature range, around 18-19°C. This is significantly cooler than typical room temperature, so you may need active cooling in most homes. During winter, Himalayan Myrmica species typically experience a cold period. You should provide a hibernation-like period at around 5-10°C for 3-4 months, mimicking the harsh Himalayan winter. This is essential for the health of both the host colony and any parasitic M. latra that may be present. Do not attempt to keep this species warm year-round, the cool mountain habitat is essential to their biology ^[1][2].

The Challenge of Keeping a Social Parasite

The biggest challenge with Myrmica latra is that it cannot exist without its host. You cannot start a colony from a founding queen, the queen must invade an established host colony and be accepted by the host workers ^[1][3]. This makes M. latra one of the most difficult ants to keep, suitable only for expert antkeepers with experience maintaining Myrmica colonies. Finding Myrmica aimonissabaudiae as a host is extremely difficult since this species itself has a limited distribution in the Himalayas and is not commonly available in the antkeeping hobby. Even if you obtain both species, introducing the parasite to the host colony is risky, host workers may reject or kill the intruding queen. There is no established protocol for successfully introducing M. latra to a host colony in captivity. For these reasons, M. latra is considered a species for research purposes rather than hobbyist keeping ^[1][3].

Feeding the Host Colony

Since M. latra relies entirely on its host colony, you would feed the host Myrmica aimonissabaudiae rather than the parasite directly. Myrmica species are generalist feeders that accept sugar sources (honey water, sugar water) and protein (insects like mealworms, crickets, fruit flies). Feed the host colony small amounts of protein 2-3 times per week and provide a constant sugar water source. The host workers will then feed the parasitic queen and any brood she produces. Remove uneaten food after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Because the nest conditions are cool (18-19°C), metabolism and food consumption will be lower than in warmer setups. Monitor food consumption and adjust accordingly, don't overfeed ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

References