Myrmica nearctica

Myrmica nearctica

Myrmica nearctica is a small Myrmica ant native to North America. Workers measure 3.5-4.5mm and are reddish-brown to dark brown in color ^[1]. They belong to the Nearctic species group and have distinctive scapes with a large, wide, thick, lobate lamina at the bend that extends distally along the posterobasal third of the scape ^[1][2]. This species is a cold-climate specialist found across Canada and the northern United States, from Manitoba and Saskatchewan south to Colorado and Michigan, with records as far east as New Brunswick ^[3][4][5].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the Nearctic region, Canada and northern United States. Found in Douglas Fir and Cottonwood forests with fine to coarse or gravelly sandy soils. Nests are located under rocks or rotten wood on the ground, occasionally directly in leaf litter ^[6]. Also found in sand hill grasslands, savannahs, and woodlands ^[7]. A cold-climate specialist that thrives in transition environments between boreal and temperate zones ^[5][8].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Myrmica patterns. One documented nest contained fewer than 100 workers ^[6].
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 5-7mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: 3.5-4.5mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Up to 100 workers in documented wild colonies ^[6]. Estimated maximum several hundred workers based on genus typical size.
  • Growth: Moderate, typical Myrmica development
  • Development: 6-10 weeks estimated based on related Myrmica species (Development time inferred from genus patterns, actual timeline may vary with temperature)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-24°C. They are a cold-climate species and prefer cooler conditions than many tropical ants. Room temperature in the low 20s°C is ideal ^[5].
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-60%. Keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. These ants prefer well-drained sandy soils in the wild ^[6].
  • Diapause: Yes, as a cold-climate species, they require a winter dormancy period. Provide hibernation at 5-10°C for 3-4 months during winter.
  • Nesting: Use test tubes or Y-tong nests with sandy/soil substrate. They naturally nest under rocks or in rotting wood, so provide appropriate substrate that allows for chamber excavation or use pre-made nests with soil chambers.
• Behavior: Generally non-aggressive and manageable. Workers are active foragers that search for food on the ground. Like other Myrmica species, they have a functional stinger but rarely sting unless directly threatened. Their small size means escape prevention is important, use fine mesh barriers. They are cold-tolerant and will become less active at cooler temperatures.
• Common Issues: small colony size means slow growth can test beginner patience, escape prevention needed due to small worker size, winter hibernation is required, colonies that don't cool down may fail to thrive, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that affect survival in captivity, overheating is more dangerous than cold, avoid temperatures above 28°C

Nest Preferences and Housing

Myrmica nearctica naturally nests under rocks, in rotting wood, or directly in leaf litter on forest floors ^[6]. In captivity, they adapt well to various nest types. Test tube setups work well for founding colonies, while Y-tong nests or acrylic nests with soil chambers suit established colonies. The key is providing a substrate that can hold some moisture, these ants prefer slightly sandy, well-drained soils. Avoid overly wet or compacted substrate. A layer of sand-soil mix mimics their natural sandy soil habitat. Since they are a cold-climate species, avoid placing nests in warm locations or near heating elements that would raise temperatures above their preferred range.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, Myrmica nearctica is omnivorous. They readily accept sugar sources (honey water, sugar water) and protein foods. Offer small insects like fruit flies, small mealworms, or cricket pieces as protein sources. Feed protein once or twice weekly, and keep sugar water available at all times. Remove uneaten food after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. These are foragers that will send workers out to collect food, so provide feeding stations accessible to workers.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This is a cold-climate specialist that prefers cooler temperatures than many ant species. Keep the nest area at 20-24°C, room temperature in the low 20s°C is ideal ^[5]. They can tolerate brief periods cooler than this but should be protected from temperatures below 10°C except during hibernation. During winter (roughly November through March in the Northern Hemisphere), move the colony to a cool location around 5-10°C for hibernation. This winter dormancy is essential for colony health and reproduction. Do not feed during hibernation. Avoid overheating, temperatures above 28°C can be fatal.

Colony Growth and Development

Myrmica nearctica colonies remain relatively small compared to some Myrmica species. One documented wild colony had fewer than 100 workers ^[6]. In captivity, colonies may reach several hundred workers over several years. Growth is moderate, expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker (nanitics) under optimal conditions. The first workers will be smaller than mature workers. Colonies grow slowly at first but accelerate once the first batch of workers establishes. Patience is key with this species.

Behavior and Temperament

Workers are active foragers that search for food along ground surfaces. They are not aggressive toward keepers and rarely sting unless handled roughly or their nest is directly threatened. When threatened, they may use their stinger, but the sting is mild for humans. Workers communicate through chemical signals and may form foraging trails to food sources. The colony will establish defined chambers for brood, food storage, and waste. Unlike some Myrmica species, they are not known for slave-making or parasitic behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions

References