Myrmica siciliana

Myrmica siciliana

Myrmica siciliana is a small reddish-brown ant endemic to the high mountains of Sicily, specifically the Nebrodi, Etna, and Madonie regions ^[1][2]. Workers have the characteristic Myrmica appearance with a rounded head, bent scape, and propodeal spines, but can be distinguished by their distinctly wide frons and less-extended frontal lobes compared to other schencki-group species. Queens are similar but larger with coarser body sculpture, while males are dark brown to black with lighter appendages. This species lives at altitudes above 1500m in the Sicilian mountains, making it a cool-climate species adapted to damp, grazed grassland habitats ^[3].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Endemic to the high mountains of northeast Sicily (Nebrodi, Etna, Madonie) at altitudes above 1500m. Nests in open grazed grassland, damp areas, and bare patches in beech woods ^[3].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen colonies) based on typical Myrmica patterns. No documented polygyny or ergatoid replacement systems for this species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 7-9mm based on schencki-group relatives
  • Worker: Estimated 4-6mm based on schencki-group relatives
  • Colony: Unknown but likely moderate (several hundred workers) based on related species
  • Growth: Moderate, estimated 6-10 weeks from egg to worker at optimal temperature
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on related Myrmica species (Development time is estimated from genus-level data since specific timing has not been documented for this species)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep cool, aim for 18-22°C. This is a high-altitude Sicilian species, so it prefers cooler conditions than most Mediterranean ants. Room temperature is likely suitable for most keepers, but avoid overheating.
  • Humidity: Prefers damp conditions. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. They naturally live on the drier margins of ponds and areas temporarily flooded after rain, so they need access to both damp and slightly drier areas.
  • Diapause: Likely requires hibernation. As a high-altitude species from temperate Sicily, expect a winter rest period of 2-3 months at 5-10°C.
  • Nesting: Soil-nesting species. In captivity, a test tube setup works well for founding colonies. For established colonies, a plaster or acrylic nest with moist substrate is appropriate. Avoid dry, heated formicariums.
• Behavior: Generally non-aggressive and shy. Like other Myrmica species, they are most active during early morning and early evening hours in the wild, avoiding midday heat and competition. Workers forage for small insects and honeydew. They have a functional stinger but rarely use it against humans. Escape risk is moderate, standard test tube barriers are usually sufficient.
• Common Issues: high altitude origin means they overheat easily, keep them cool, damp soil requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, slow growth may frustrate beginners expecting fast development, competes poorly with other ant species, keep isolated from other colonies, hibernation is likely required and must be done properly to ensure colony survival

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmica siciliana is a soil-nesting species that requires damp conditions. For founding colonies, a standard test tube setup works well, fill the tube about one-third with water and plug the wet end with cotton, then connect it to a small outworld. Keep the tube horizontal so the queen can find a dark corner to seal herself in. For established colonies, a plaster nest or acrylic formicarium with chambers works better, but ensure the substrate stays consistently moist. Because they come from high altitudes, avoid heated nests, room temperature is ideal. Provide a water source in the outworld and mist occasionally to maintain humidity. Use standard escape prevention (Fluon on rim edges) as these ants are moderate-sized and can climb smooth surfaces. ^[3]

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, M. siciliana is omnivorous with a preference for protein. Feed small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms twice weekly. They also readily accept sugar sources, offer a drop of sugar water or honey diluted with water. In the wild, they forage for honeydew from aphids and small invertebrates, particularly during early morning and evening hours. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. A constant sugar water supply is recommended once workers are established. ^[3]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This is the most critical aspect of keeping M. siciliana. As a high-altitude Sicilian endemic, they prefer cool conditions, aim for 18-22°C. They do poorly in warm conditions and may decline or abandon brood if temperatures exceed 25°C. Room temperature is usually suitable. During winter, provide a hibernation period of 2-3 months at 5-10°C. This can be done by moving the colony to an unheated garage, basement, or refrigerator (not freezer). Reduce feeding before hibernation and keep the nest slightly drier during this period. Do not hibernate in the freezer, temperatures below freezing will kill the colony. ^[3]

Colony Development

M. siciliana colonies grow moderately. A newly mated queen will seal herself in a chamber (claustral founding) and lay eggs after a few weeks. She feeds the first brood using her stored fat reserves and metabolic fluids. The first workers (nanitics) will emerge smaller than normal workers and will then take over foraging and colony maintenance. Expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature (around 20°C). Growth is slower than tropical species, be patient. Colony size likely reaches several hundred workers over 2-3 years under good conditions. The founding chamber should remain dark and undisturbed during this period.

Behavior and Observation

M. siciliana workers are active but not aggressive. They show characteristic Myrmica behavior, workers may feign death (thanatosis) when disturbed, curling up and remaining still. They forage primarily during cooler parts of the day (early morning and evening in the wild), which is worth noting when scheduling feeding times. Workers communicate using chemical trails and may recruit nestmates to food sources. Unlike some Myrmica species, they do not build obvious above-ground nest structures, they are true soil nesters. The species faces significant competition from other ants in the wild (Myrmica sabuleti, various Tetramorium, Lasius, Formica, and Aphaenogaster species), which likely contributes to their restricted distribution. ^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

References