Myrmica ravasinii

Myrmica ravasinii

Myrmica ravasinii is a distinctive mountain ant belonging to the schencki species-group, found across the Balkans and Asia Minor. Workers are relatively large with an unusually narrow frons (the lowest recorded of any Myrmica species) and possess an extraordinarily enlarged lobe at the bend of their antennae, the largest of any known Myrmica. Males are equally distinctive, bearing long erect hairs on their antennae, tibiae, and tarsi that set them apart from related species. This is a semi-xerophilous species adapted to life at elevation, typically nesting in soil under stones in open pine, oak, and hornbeam forests between 800 and 2150 meters altitude ^[1].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Balkans and Asia Minor (Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia), mountain forests at 800-2150m elevation ^[1][2]
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single-queen colonies) based on typical Myrmica patterns, though colony structure has not been specifically studied
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 6-8mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: Estimated 5-7mm based on description as 'big size' ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown for this species, likely several hundred workers based on related Myrmica
  • Growth: Moderate, typical Myrmica development
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on related Myrmica species (Development time inferred from genus patterns, temperature-dependent as with most Myrmica)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 20-24°C. This is a mountain species adapted to cooler conditions than lowland ants, avoid overheating ^[1]
  • Humidity: Moderate, semi-xerophilous species that prefers drier conditions than many Myrmica. Keep nest substrate slightly moist but allow some drying between waterings. Provide a moisture gradient so ants can choose their preferred zone ^[1]
  • Diapause: Yes, as a mountain species from temperate regions, colonies will need a winter rest period. Provide 2-3 months at 5-10°C during winter ^[2]
  • Nesting: Soil-nesting species that naturally builds nests in the ground, often under stones. In captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster formicarium with soil chamber works well. Provide a layer of moist soil or sand for tunneling ^[1]
• Behavior: Workers are moderately active foragers. Like most Myrmica, they may deliver a mild sting if provoked, though their sting is not medically significant for healthy humans. They are not aggressive but will defend their nest. Escape risk is moderate, use standard Myrmica escape prevention ^[2].
• Common Issues: overheating is a significant risk, this mountain species prefers cooler conditions than typical room temperature, humidity control is important, too wet conditions can be harmful for this semi-xerophilous species, winter diapause is essential for colony health, skipping hibernation may weaken or kill colonies, slow founding phase, Myrmica queens can take months to raise first workers, patience is required, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that can cause problems in captivity

Natural History and Distribution

Myrmica ravasinii is a Balkan-Caucasian species with a distribution spanning from Albania through Greece, Turkey, and the Transcaucasia region to the North Caucasus ^[1]. This mountain-dwelling ant prefers elevations between 800 and 2150 meters, where summer temperatures remain cooler than in the surrounding lowlands ^[1]. Its range extends from approximately 37-44°N latitude and 20-44°E longitude ^[1].

The species inhabits fairly open forests dominated by oak, pine, hornbeam, and fir trees. It deliberately avoids both cooler and wetter beech forests as well as hotter and drier juniper (archa) forests ^[1]. In drier woodland areas, colonies are often found near the edges of small gullies where underground moisture persists ^[1]. The species has also been recorded on subalpine meadows ^[1]. Nests are constructed in soil, frequently positioned beneath stones that provide both protection and temperature regulation ^[1].

Sexual forms (reproductives) have been found in nests during late August, suggesting nuptial flights occur between August and September ^[1]. This timing allows new queens to establish colonies before winter arrives.

Nest Preferences and Housing

In the wild, Myrmica ravasinii builds nests in soil, often under stones that help regulate temperature and humidity ^[1]. This nesting behavior translates well to captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster formicarium with a soil chamber works excellently for this species ^[1].

The key to successful housing is providing a temperature gradient. As a mountain species adapted to cooler conditions, these ants do best when part of the nest is kept slightly cooler than typical room temperature. A heating cable on only one side of the nest allows workers to regulate their temperature by moving between zones ^[1].

For the nesting chamber, use a moderately compact soil or sand mixture that holds its structure well. The ants will excavate tunnels and chambers. Because this species is semi-xerophilous (preferring drier conditions), avoid over-compacting the substrate or keeping it constantly saturated, some drying between waterings is beneficial ^[1].

The outworld (foraging area) should be standard size with reliable escape prevention. While not as small as some Myrmica, they can still climb smooth surfaces effectively.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, Myrmica ravasinii is omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods. In captivity, offer a varied diet including small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms), and sugar sources such as diluted honey or sugar water ^[2].

Protein is essential for brood development. Feed small live or frozen insects appropriate to the colony size, roughly twice weekly for growing colonies. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold ^[2].

Sugar water or honey water should be available constantly, especially for colonies with queens. Myrmica workers readily consume sweet liquids and will cluster around sugar sources. A small test tube with cotton wool soaked in honey water or sugar water works well ^[2].

Fresh water should always be available in the outworld.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Myrmica ravasinii requires cooler conditions than many common ant species. Keep the nest environment between 20-24°C, with cooler zones available ^[1]. This mountain species is adapted to high-elevation conditions and can suffer from overheating, never place the nest in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

A critical part of keeping this species successfully is providing proper winter diapause. As a species from temperate mountain regions, colonies need 2-3 months of cold rest annually ^[2]. During winter (roughly November through February in the Northern Hemisphere), reduce temperatures to 5-10°C. This can be achieved by moving the colony to an unheated garage, basement, or refrigerator. Keep the colony slightly moist during hibernation but not wet.

Failure to provide proper diapause can weaken colonies significantly and may prevent reproduction. Queens that don't experience winter rest often fail to produce sexuals or have reduced lifespans ^[2].

Colony Founding

The founding behavior of Myrmica ravasinii has not been directly documented in scientific literature. However, based on typical Myrmica patterns, the queen likely seals herself in a small underground chamber (claustral founding) and raises her first brood using stored fat reserves without foraging ^[2].

During founding, the queen will remain sealed in her chamber for several weeks to months while she lays eggs and tends to the developing larvae. She will not leave to hunt or gather food, this is why claustral queens have substantial fat reserves. Once the first workers (nanitics) emerge, they will begin foraging for food and expanding the nest.

Expect the founding phase to last 2-4 months, sometimes longer. Disturb the queen as little as possible during this time. Provide a small water source nearby (through cotton in a test tube) but no food is needed until workers emerge.

Frequently Asked Questions

References