Myrmica ravasinii - "Ravasi's Myrmica"
Myrmica ravasinii is a fascinating ant species belonging to the Myrmica schencki group, distinguished by its exceptionally narrow frons and a uniquely enlarged lobe on the scape bend, making it quite peculiar among Myrmica species. Workers, queens, and males have all been described. These ants build their nests in the soil, often seeking shelter under stones, particularly in more shaded areas. They are considered semi-xerophilous but show a good degree of tolerance to various habitats, though they tend to avoid overly cool, wet forests and extremely hot, dry juniper forests.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Origin & Habitat: Balkans and Asia Minor, including Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Greece, Romania, Russian Federation, and Turkey. in Mountainous regions between 800 and 2150 meters above sea level, primarily inhabiting fairly open forests (such as oak, fir, pine, hornbeam, abies). They can also be found in subalpine meadows and often near the edges of small gullies in drier woods where the sub-soil might be slightly moist..
- Colony Type: Monogyne or Polygyne, with multiple queens possible, though details specific to M. ravasinii on queen dynamics are less documented than for closely related species like M. rubra., claustral founding.
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: Not specified
- Worker: Not specified
- Colony: Medium (thousands), based on related Myrmica species which can reach up to 2,500 individuals with 10-20 queens in polygyne colonies.. Medium growth.
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: While specific temperature requirements for M. ravasinii are not widely detailed, related Myrmica species generally prefer temperatures around 21-24°C in the nest, with some flexibility up to 27°C in a small heated area. They tend to fear high temperatures. Providing a temperature gradient is recommended so the ants can choose their preferred spot..
- Humidity: Myrmica species, including those closely related to M. ravasinii, require high humidity. The nest should be kept very moist, with humidity levels ideally between 70-80% inside the nest, and never below 50%..
- Diapause: Required. 3-5 months at 5-12°C.
- Nesting: Myrmica ravasinii builds nests in soil, often under stones in natural habitats. In captivity, ytong nests or dirt setups are suitable, with an emphasis on maintaining high moisture levels. Avoid decorations that might rot due to humidity..
- Behavior: Medium (towards handler and other ants) aggressiveness.
- Common Issues: Humidity fluctuations, Mold in nest, Colony stalling if diapause is not provided, Queen stress if disturbed frequently.
Myrmica ants, including those within the schencki group like M. ravasinii, are known for their specific diapausing larval stage, which means they overwinter as larvae. This is a crucial aspect of their life cycle, and proper hibernation is essential for the long-term health and development of the colony. Failing to provide a sufficient diapause period at appropriate temperatures can lead to issues with colony growth and queen health.
These ants, particularly Myrmica species, are somewhat unique in their strong photoperiodic responses for diapause induction and termination. This suggests that not only temperature but also light cycles might play a role in their natural rhythms. While precise details for M. ravasinii specifically are scarce, understanding this general Myrmica characteristic is vital for successful long-term care, especially when considering artificial setups.
Nuptial flights for Myrmica ravasinii are believed to occur around August to September, aligning with the pattern observed in many Myrmica species. This information is particularly useful for antkeepers looking to find new queens after their mating flights, offering a general timeframe for when alates might be active in their natural range. Remember, freshly mated queens are typically claustral, meaning they do not need to forage during the initial founding stage.
While Myrmica ravasinii is described as semi-xerophilous and quite tolerant of various habitats, it actively avoids extremely wet or extremely dry environments. This translates to a need for balanced humidity in a captive setup-high moisture within the nest chambers but not excessively damp conditions throughout the entire setup that could promote mold or stress the colony. A humidity gradient can be beneficial, allowing the ants to choose their preferred microclimate within the formicarium.
Myrmica ants are generally known to be aggressive towards other ant species, especially when defending food sources. While this makes them formidable, it also means care must be taken to prevent escapes and inter-colony conflicts if keeping multiple species. Providing ample protein in their diet is crucial for their well-being and brood development.
