Myrmica spatulata

Myrmica spatulata

Myrmica spatulata is a small to medium-sized ant native to the eastern United States. Workers measure 3.9-6.2mm and are reddish-brown to dark brown in color ^[1]. The most distinctive identification feature is the scape (the first segment of the antenna), which has a prominent lamina at the bend that strongly projects and overhangs, creating an acute angle at the bend ^[1]. This species is considered rare across its range and is often confused with Myrmica sculptilis and M. smithana in historical collections ^[2].

This ant is found across the eastern half of the United States, from New York south to Florida, and west to Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas ^[1]. It nests in soil and rotting wood in meadows, fields, and wooded areas ^[3][1]. The species was originally described as a variety of Myrmica schencki in 1930 and was raised to full species status in 1950 by Creighton.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Eastern United States (New York to Florida, west to Texas). Found in meadows, fields, and wooded areas at elevations of 520-1300m ^[1][3]. Nests in soil and rotting wood.
• Colony Type: Likely single-queen colonies based on typical Myrmica patterns. Colony size is unconfirmed but likely moderate (similar to related Myrmica species reaching several hundred workers).
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 6-7mm based on body length range and genus patterns
  • Worker: 3.9-6.2mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unconfirmed, estimated several hundred workers based on related species
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature based on typical Myrmica development (Development time is estimated from related Myrmica species, specific data for M. spatulata is not available)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 20-24°C. This species tolerates cooler temperatures compared to tropical ants, consistent with its northern distribution and elevated habitat.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity, keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. Found in soil and rotting wood in natural habitat, indicating need for damp substrate ^[3].
  • Diapause: Yes, Myrmica species require winter hibernation. Provide a cold period at 5-10°C for 3-4 months during winter.
  • Nesting: Nests in soil and rotting wood in the wild ^[3]. In captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster/naturalistic setup with moist substrate works well. Provide chambers scaled to their medium size.
• Behavior: Workers are primarily carnivorous but will also feed on nectar and plant exudates ^[3]. They are active foragers and likely use chemical trails to recruit nestmates to food sources, typical of Myrmica. Workers are not particularly large but can defend the colony if threatened. Escape risk is moderate, use standard barrier methods. The sting is present but these ants are not known for aggressive stinging behavior.
• Common Issues: rare species means wild colonies are difficult to find and should not be collected, purchase from reputable breeders instead, confusion with similar Myrmica species makes accurate identification challenging for beginners, slow colony growth can lead to keeper impatience and overfeeding, winter hibernation is required, colonies that are not cooled properly may fail to thrive, wild-caught colonies may harbor parasites that can devastate captive colonies

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmica spatulata nests in soil and rotting wood in the wild, so a setup that provides moist substrate works best. A Y-tong (acrylic) nest or plaster formicarium with narrow chambers scaled to their 4-6mm worker size is ideal. The nest should have a water reservoir to maintain humidity. Since they naturally nest in rotting wood, you can also use a naturalistic setup with damp soil and pieces of wood or bark. Keep the outworld simple, a test tube setup connected to a foraging area works well for founding colonies. Ensure excellent escape prevention as workers can squeeze through small gaps. ^[3]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, M. spatulata is primarily carnivorous but also feeds on plant exudates like nectar ^[3]. In captivity, offer protein sources like small crickets, mealworms, fruit flies, or other small insects twice weekly. Sugar can be provided via honey water or sugar water, though protein should make up the majority of their diet. Remove uneaten prey within 24-48 hours to prevent mold. A constant supply of sugar water is recommended, especially for larger colonies with many workers to feed.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep the nest area at 20-24°C, which is moderate and reflects their temperate distribution across the eastern United States. They can tolerate cooler temperatures better than many tropical ants. During winter, provide a hibernation period of 3-4 months at 5-10°C. This can be done in a refrigerator (not freezer) or a cold garage, depending on your climate. Reduce feeding during hibernation and keep the substrate slightly moist but not wet. Do not freeze the colony. Return them to room temperature gradually in spring. ^[1]

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Myrmica spatulata forms colonies with a single queen (likely monogyne based on genus patterns). Workers are active foragers that will recruit nestmates to food sources using chemical trails. The colony will grow gradually, expect the first workers (nanitics) to emerge 6-10 weeks after founding, then growth will accelerate as the colony reaches several hundred workers. Workers are not particularly aggressive but will sting if the nest is threatened. The sting is present though not especially potent. Colonies are not known for being overly aggressive or difficult to contain.

Finding and Acquiring This Species

Myrmica spatulata is considered a rare species throughout its range and is often misidentified in collections ^[2]. It has been documented in only a handful of states: Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, and Virginia. Rather than collecting from the wild (which may be illegal and harmful to wild populations), purchase from reputable ant breeders who specialize in North American native species. Wild-caught colonies often harbor parasites that can kill captive colonies, so buying from a trusted source is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

References