Myrmica schencki

Myrmica schencki

Myrmica schencki is a small to medium-sized Myrmica ant found across Europe and into Asia. Workers measure 4-5mm with a distinctive reddish-brown coloration, while queens reach 5-6mm. This species is one of the most heat-loving Myrmica in Central Europe, thriving in dry heathlands, calcareous grasslands, and other warm, open habitats with sparse vegetation. Colonies are relatively small, typically containing several hundred workers and up to five queens. Workers are highly predatory, frequently hunting other ant species, and they also actively collect nectar and honeydew. The species builds characteristic tubular nest entrances (chimneys) around the entrance holes, making nests relatively easy to locate. Myrmica schencki serves as the primary host for several endangered butterfly species, particularly the Alcon Blue (Phengaris alcon) and its subspecies rebeli, making it ecologically significant beyond antkeeping circles.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Transpalaearctic distribution spanning from Spain to Northern Korea, found throughout Europe from Britain to Scandinavia south to Spain and Italy. Inhabits dry heathlands, calcareous grasslands, and warm open areas with sparse vegetation ^[1][2]. Avoids eutrophic grasslands and areas with dense vegetation ^[3].
• Colony Type: Small colonies with several hundred workers and up to five queens (oligogynous). Colonies are typically monogyne to oligogyne, with multiple queens sometimes admitted to the nest after nuptial flights ^[4].
  • Colony: Monogyne, Oligogyne
  • Founding: Semi-claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 5-6 mm ^[4][5]
  • Worker: 3.9-5.5 mm ^[4][6]
  • Colony: Several hundred to about 1000 workers ^[2][4]
  • Growth: Slow, based on semi-claustral founding and slow larval development ^[7][8]
  • Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks at optimal temperature based on genus-level data for semi-claustral Myrmica species (Semi-claustral founding means queens must forage for food during colony establishment, extending development time. Last larval stage can overwinter, with first egg laying occurring after diapause ^[7][8])
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep nest area at 20-26°C. This is one of the most thermophilic Myrmica species, with workers showing peak activity between 15-30°C. They begin foraging when ground surface temperature drops below 30°C ^[9]. Provide a temperature gradient allowing workers to select their preferred zone.
  • Humidity: Low to moderate humidity, this is a xerophilic (dry-loving) species. Keep substrate moderately dry, similar to their natural heathland and grassland habitats. Allow areas to dry out between waterings.
  • Diapause: Yes, requires winter hibernation. Nuptial flights occur in July-August, with mating taking place on the ground near the nest. Last larval stage is capable of overwintering, and first egg laying occurs after diapause ^[2][8]. Keep colonies at 5-10°C during winter dormancy for 2-3 months.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests work well given their preference for dry conditions. Provide tight chambers scaled to their worker size. Natural nesting sites include soil with characteristic tubular entrances, under stones, or in moss tufts. Avoid overly humid environments.
• Behavior: Workers are primarily nocturnal but can be active during cooler parts of the day. They are highly predatory and frequently capture other ant species as food. They also collect flower nectar and honeydew more actively than other Myrmica species. Workers have a painful sting that causes a burning sensation similar to nettle contact ^[10]. They are aggressive defenders of their nest and will sting readily if threatened. Escape prevention should be moderate, workers are not particularly small but can climb smooth surfaces.
• Common Issues: colonies often fail during hibernation if kept too wet, ensure dry winter conditions, slow growth from semi-claustral founding can frustrate beginners, be patient during first months, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that kill them in captivity, sensitive to habitat disturbance, difficult to establish in changed environments, nest tubes/chimneys can be damaged during transport, stressing the colony

Nest Preferences

Myrmica schencki nests in dry, warm soils typical of heathlands and grasslands. In the wild, they build ground nests with characteristic tubular entrances made from plant material, creating small chimneys around the entrance hole. These nest tubes can reach up to 2cm in height and help with ventilation. Nests are typically found under stones, in moss clumps, or directly in sandy soil with sparse vegetation overhead. For captive care, Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster nests with dry conditions work well. Provide chambers scaled to their worker size (4-5mm) with moderate spacing. Avoid overly humid environments, this species actively avoids wet conditions and will struggle in constantly damp substrates. A small water reservoir can be included but ensure the majority of the nest remains dry. ^[3][4][9][2]

Feeding and Diet

Myrmica schencki has a varied diet with strong predatory tendencies. Workers actively hunt other insects and, notably, frequently capture other ant species, especially Formica and Lasius workers make up a significant portion of their protein intake. They also collect flower nectar and honeydew from aphids more actively than other Myrmica species. For captive feeding, offer protein sources like small crickets, fruit flies, and mealworms 2-3 times per week. Sugar water or honey can be provided as a supplementary energy source, though they are less dependent on sugary foods than some other ants. Their predatory nature means they prefer live or freshly killed prey, they will readily hunt small insects in the outworld. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. ^[2][1][4]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This is one of the most thermophilic Myrmica species, requiring warmer conditions than most other European Myrmica. Keep the nest area at 20-26°C, with a slight gradient allowing workers to select their preferred temperature. Workers show peak activity between 15-30°C and will begin foraging when ground surface temperatures drop below 30°C, avoiding the hottest parts of the day. During winter, colonies require a true hibernation period of 2-3 months at 5-10°C. The last larval stage can overwinter, with first egg laying occurring after the diapause period ends in spring. Keep the colony relatively dry during hibernation, damp conditions during winter dormancy are a common cause of colony failure. Reduce feeding significantly during hibernation and avoid disturbing the colony. ^[9][2][8][7]

Behavior and Temperament

Myrmica schencki workers are aggressive defenders of their colony and possess a painful sting that causes a burning sensation similar to nettle contact. They are primarily nocturnal but can be active during cooler daytime hours. Workers are highly predatory and will readily attack and subdue prey much larger than themselves. They use chemical alarm signals to recruit nestmates to food sources or threats. Colonies are relatively peaceful toward conspecific queens, with up to five queens living together in established colonies. The species shows strong territorial behavior and will defend foraging areas aggressively. When keeping this species, use moderate escape prevention, while not extremely small, they are active climbers and can escape through small gaps. Ensure outworld setups have smooth barriers. ^[2][10][1]

Colony Founding

Myrmica schencki uses semi-claustral colony founding, meaning the queen must leave the nest periodically to hunt for food during the early colony establishment phase. This is different from claustral species where queens seal themselves in and survive entirely on stored fat reserves. After mating flights in July-August, newly mated queens dig small chambers in the ground and begin laying eggs. The queen must capture prey to feed herself and the first batch of larvae, making this a more risky founding strategy than claustral alternatives. This requirement for active foraging during founding limits the species to habitats with sufficient food availability, a key reason they prefer warm, insect-rich environments. First workers (nanitics) typically appear after several months, and the colony grows slowly thereafter. This founding strategy explains why colonies have slower initial growth compared to claustral species. ^[7][8]

Ecological Significance

Myrmica schencki plays a crucial role in European ecosystems as the primary host for several endangered butterfly species. It is the main host for the Alcon Blue (Phengaris alcon) and its subspecies rebeli across much of Europe. The butterfly caterpillars are adopted into ant nests where they are tended by workers and fed regurgitated food, a remarkable example of social parasitism. Research shows that M. schencki provides superior care to these parasites compared to other Myrmica species, with caterpillar survival approximately 30 times greater in M. schencki colonies compared to other hosts. The species also serves as a predatory controller of other ant populations, helping maintain ecological balance in grassland habitats. This ecological importance makes M. schencki a conservation priority in many European countries, with vulnerable or endangered status in several regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

References