Myrmica lobicornis - "Elbowed Red Ant (informal, shared with other Myrmica)"
Myrmica lobicornis is a fascinating temperate ant species often encountered by ant enthusiasts across Europe and parts of Asia. Workers typically measure between 4 to 5 mm in length and have a distinctive reddish-brown color, often appearing darker on the head and gaster compared to their thorax. A key identifier for these ants is a unique, upright, tooth-like process found at the bend of their antennal scape. Unlike some of their more aggressive Myrmica cousins, Myrmica lobicornis are known for their relatively calm demeanor, making them a more approachable species for keepers. They're usually observed foraging individually and slowly, primarily on the ground, often scavenging for food rather than actively hunting or tending aphids for honeydew.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Origin & Habitat: Europe, Caucasus, West Siberia, North-East Kazakhstan, East Siberia, Mongolia (including Arctic Scandinavia to Southern Europe) in Undisturbed natural and semi-natural habitats such as upland moor, lowland heath, rough grassland, and open woodland. They are commonly found nesting in the ground or under stones, particularly in upland and mountainous regions. Can also inhabit coniferous or mixed woodlands and occasionally meadows..
- Colony Type: Monogyne (typically single queen), occasionally Oligogyne (multiple queens with limited interaction/brood mixing), claustral (queen seals herself in) founding.
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: Not specified
- Worker: 4-5mm
- Colony: Small (hundreds, typically 200-300 workers, rarely exceeding 500). Medium growth.
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: Room temperature (around 20-24°C) is generally suitable for the active period. Providing a slight heating gradient can be beneficial, but avoid extreme heat. They originate from temperate to colder regions, so consistent high temperatures are not ideal..
- Humidity: High humidity is crucial for Myrmica species. Aim for 50-70% in the nest, with some antkeepers preferring higher, up to 90% in a portion of the nest, especially for brood development. Ensure adequate moisture is available in the nest substrate..
- Diapause: Required. 3-4 months at 5-10°C.
- Nesting: They prefer nesting in the ground or under stones in the wild. For captive setups, gypsum, Ytong, or naturalistic setups with soil or sand substrates that can retain high humidity are highly recommended. Acrylic or glass setups with proper hydration systems can also work..
- Behavior: Low (towards handler), Medium (towards prey) aggressiveness.
- Common Issues: Humidity fluctuations, Mold in nest, Mites, Colony stalling (often due to inadequate diapause or lack of protein), Overfeeding leading to waste, Queen stress (especially during founding).
One of the key features that helps distinguish Myrmica lobicornis from other closely related Myrmica species is the presence of an upright, tooth-like process on the bend of their antennal scape. This morphological characteristic is often variable in size but serves as a crucial identifying marker for this specific ant species. When observing your colony or attempting to identify wild specimens, paying close attention to this detail can save you a lot of confusion, as Myrmica ants can be quite similar in overall appearance, especially to the untrained eye.
Their foraging behavior is quite distinct compared to many other ant species. Myrmica lobicornis workers tend to forage individually and at a relatively slow pace, primarily on the ground. Interestingly, they are rarely observed tending to Homoptera (like aphids) for honeydew, which is a common food source for many ant species. Instead, their diet largely consists of scavenged invertebrate material. This unique foraging strategy means keepers should prioritize offering a good variety of protein sources in the outworld rather than relying heavily on sugary liquids.
Despite belonging to the Myrmica genus, which is generally known for its ability to sting, Myrmica lobicornis is considered one of the least aggressive species within the group. While they do possess a sting, they are unlikely to use it against a handler unless severely provoked. This makes them a more docile species for observation, reducing the potential for uncomfortable encounters during routine care or maintenance, a relief for many antkeepers wary of potent stings.
In their natural range, Myrmica lobicornis thrive in undisturbed, natural and semi-natural habitats, often preferring upland and mountainous areas. While widely distributed across Europe and parts of Asia, they are not typically found in high abundance and rarely dominate a specific habitat type. This can sometimes lead to them being considered 'rare' or less common in certain locales, primarily due to lower recording efforts rather than actual scarcity. Their preference for stable environments highlights the importance of providing a consistent and appropriate captive setup.
Colony foundation in Myrmica lobicornis is predominantly monogynous, meaning colonies are typically established by a single queen. While some observations suggest the possibility of small polygynous groups, it's less common than in other Myrmica species. Their colonies generally remain on the smaller side, usually numbering a few hundred workers, though some can reach a few thousand. This moderate colony size makes them a manageable species for many antkeepers, as they won't quickly outgrow their initial setup like some of the supercolony-forming species.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food do Myrmica lobicornis prefer?
These fascinating ants primarily forage for scavenged invertebrate material in the wild, so your colony will absolutely thrive on a diet rich in various protein sources. Think small insects like fruit flies, mealworms, or even chopped-up crickets. While they aren't big fans of tending aphids for honeydew, offering a little sugar water or diluted honey will still be a welcome treat for your foragers and queens.
Do Myrmica lobicornis ants sting, and are they aggressive?
Good news for antkeepers! Myrmica lobicornis are actually considered one of the least aggressive species within the Myrmica genus. While they do possess a sting, much like other Myrmica ants (which can feel a bit like a nettle sting), they are very unlikely to use it against you unless they feel extremely threatened or are handled carelessly. They're generally quite docile for observation.
How large do Myrmica lobicornis colonies typically get?
Compared to some of the massive supercolony species, Myrmica lobicornis colonies remain quite modest in size. You can generally expect your colony to grow to a few hundred workers, with some reaching up to a couple of thousand. This manageable colony size makes them a fantastic option for antkeepers who prefer not to deal with overwhelming numbers in their formicarium.
Is diapause (hibernation) necessary for Myrmica lobicornis?
Absolutely! As a species originating from temperate and even Arctic regions, Myrmica lobicornis requires a period of diapause to remain healthy and ensure robust colony development. Mimicking their natural winter slumber is crucial. We recommend a diapause period of 3-4 months at cool temperatures, ideally between 5-10°C, to ensure your colony thrives in the long run.
What type of formicarium is best suited for Myrmica lobicornis?
Given their natural nesting habits in soil and under stones, Myrmica lobicornis will appreciate a formicarium that offers high humidity and a stable environment. Gypsum, Ytong, or naturalistic setups with moist soil are excellent choices. Nests with good hydration systems, like those found in some acrylic or glass setups, can also work well, allowing you to maintain the crucial humidity levels these ants need.
How can I tell Myrmica lobicornis apart from other Myrmica species?
Identifying Myrmica lobicornis can be a bit tricky, as many Myrmica species look quite similar. However, the most reliable tell-tale sign is an upright, tooth-like process located at the bend of their antennal scape. While its size can vary, this distinctive feature is a key morphological characteristic that sets them apart. Always double-check this detail when trying to identify your ant species!
What humidity levels are ideal for Myrmica lobicornis ant care?
Maintaining proper humidity is paramount for a healthy Myrmica lobicornis colony, especially for their delicate brood. Aim for relative humidity levels within the nest ranging from 50% to 70%, and don't be afraid to keep a section of the nest even higher, close to saturation, to support their eggs and larvae. Consistent hydration is key to preventing common issues like colony stalling.
Are Myrmica lobicornis queens monogyne or polygyne?
Myrmica lobicornis is most commonly a monogyne species, meaning colonies are typically founded and maintained by a single queen. While there have been rare instances reported of small polygynous setups (multiple queens coexisting), monogyny is the prevalent colony type for this species. This simplifies colony management for antkeepers, as you usually only need to house one queen per setup.
Where can Myrmica lobicornis be found in the wild?
These resilient ants have a wide distribution, stretching across Europe, including Arctic Scandinavia, down to Southern Europe, and extending into parts of Asia. In the wild, they prefer undisturbed natural habitats such as upland moors, lowland heaths, rough grasslands, and open woodlands. You'll often find their nests hidden discreetly in the ground or tucked away under stones, especially in more mountainous regions.
What is the typical worker size of Myrmica lobicornis?
Myrmica lobicornis workers are quite uniform in size, generally measuring between 4 to 5 millimeters in length. This makes them a medium-sized ant species, easily observable in your formicarium without needing a magnifying glass for every detail. Their consistent worker size is a characteristic trait, as they don't exhibit different worker castes like majors or minors.
