Myrmica pisarskii

Myrmica pisarskii

Myrmica pisarskii is a small ant species belonging to the lobicornis group. Workers are approximately 4-6mm and queens approximately 6-8mm, inferred from typical Myrmica genus sizes as exact total length measurements are not documented ^[1]. The species has a distinctive color pattern: the alitrunk, waist, legs, mandibles and antennae are yellowish brown to pale reddish brown while the head and gaster are dark reddish brown ^[2]. This is one of the most xerophilous (dry-loving) Myrmica species, native to the steppes and dry meadows of South Siberia (from southeastern Altai to Transbaikalia) and Mongolia ^[1][3]. It builds nests in soil, often under stones, at elevations ranging from 1000 to 2700 meters ^[4][5]. A notable trait is that it's a cold climate specialist that is mostly night-active in the wild ^[6][7].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to South Siberia (Altai to Transbaikalia) and Mongolia. Inhabits steppes, dry meadows, and occasionally dry pine forests. Nests in soil, often under stones, at elevations of 1000-2700m ^[1][5][4].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. No documented ergatoid replacement reproductives found in research.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen:{.size-link} ~6-8mm, inferred from Myrmica genus patterns ^[1]
  • Worker:{.size-link} ~4-6mm, inferred from Myrmica genus patterns ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, likely moderate-sized colonies similar to other Myrmica species
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on typical Myrmica genus patterns at optimal temperature) (Development time is estimated from related Myrmica species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature, roughly 18-22°C. This species prefers cooler conditions compared to many ants, it's a cold climate specialist. Avoid overheating.
  • Humidity: Low to moderate. This is one of the most xerophilous (dry-loving) Myrmica species. Keep the nest substrate relatively dry, think steppe conditions, not damp forest floor. Allow areas to dry out between waterings.
  • Diapause: Yes, required. As a species from Siberia and Mongolia, expect a winter rest period. Reduce temperature to around 5-10°C for 3-4 months during winter.
  • Nesting: Prefers dry, well-drained nesting conditions. A Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest works well. Can also use test tubes with minimal water reserves. The key is keeping conditions dry, avoid damp substrates.
• Behavior: This species is a cold climate specialist and is mostly night-active in the wild ^[6][7]. Workers are moderate foragers and likely accept standard Myrmica prey items. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend the nest. Escape risk is moderate, use standard test tube barriers.
• Common Issues: overheating is a major risk, this species prefers cooler conditions than most Myrmica, too much humidity will kill colonies, keep nesting area dry, colonies may struggle if kept too warm year-round without proper winter rest, slow growth means beginners may overfeed or disturb the colony too often, night-active behavior means you may not see much activity during the day

Natural History and Distribution

Myrmica pisarskii is found across South Siberia from southeastern Altai to Transbaikalia, and throughout Mongolia ^[1][8]. It is one of the most xerophilous (dry-loving) species in the genus Myrmica ^[1][3]. In Russia, it inhabits steppes and dry meadows, occasionally found in dry and sparse pine forests ^[5]. In Mongolia, specimens have been collected from dry meadow steppe at elevations of 1000-1200 meters where soils are shallow and rocky, and trees are absent ^[5]. The species has been recorded at altitudes up to 2700m in the Altai Mountains ^[4]. This ant is a cold climate specialist and is mostly night-active in its natural habitat ^[6][7].

Nest Preferences and Housing

In the wild, M. pisarskii nests in soil, often under stones ^[1][5]. The species prefers dry, well-drained conditions, avoid the damp setups that work for many other Myrmica species. For captive care, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster nest works well. Test tubes can work but use smaller water reservoirs and allow them to run dry more often than you would for other Myrmica. The key principle is dry conditions, this is a steppe species, not a forest floor species. Provide a shallow water tube but monitor and refill only when needed.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species requires cooler temperatures than most ant species, it's a cold climate specialist ^[6][7]. Keep the nest at room temperature, ideally 18-22°C. Avoid placing the nest in direct sunlight or near heat sources. A heating cable is generally not needed and could be harmful. During winter, provide a diapause (hibernation) period of 3-4 months at roughly 5-10°C. This mimics the natural cycle of a species from Siberia and Mongolia where winters are long and cold. The night-active behavior in the wild suggests they may be more active in cooler evening hours, do not be concerned if your colony seems less active during the day.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, M. pisarskii is likely omnivorous with a preference for protein. Offer small insects like fruit flies, small mealworms, or cricket pieces. Sugar water or honey can be offered occasionally but protein should be the primary food source. Feed every 2-3 days, removing uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Colony Development and Reproduction

Queens are approximately 6-8mm and workers are approximately 4-6mm, inferred from Myrmica genus patterns ^[1]. Sexual brood (alates) is present in nests in July-August, with nuptial flights occurring from late July to early September ^[5][1]. This timing allows new queens and males to mate before winter sets in. Colony growth is moderate, expect the first workers (nanitics) to emerge 6-10 weeks after the queen lays eggs, based on typical Myrmica development.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References