Myrmica specioides - "Coastal Red Ant (or Dune Ant, given habitat)"
Myrmica specioides is a fascinating red ant species, often confused with Myrmica scabrinodis due to their similar appearance. They are distinguishable by the sharp angle at the base of their antennal scape and the shape of their post-petiole. These ants are known for being quite aggressive, particularly towards other ant species like Lasius flavus, and they are quick to sting. They are a medium-sized ant, with queens typically larger than workers. While not as common as some other Myrmica species, they can reach high population densities locally, especially in their preferred warm, dry, and sunny habitats with sparse vegetation.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Origin & Habitat: Western and Central Europe, Northern Balkan Peninsula, parts of Asia. Also introduced to North America (USA). in Warm, dry, sunny situations with sparse vegetation. Coastal south-facing slopes, sand dunes, and sometimes post-industrial sites. Can also be found in forest clearings, edges, and open oak woods. They often build inconspicuous nests in the ground, sometimes under small rotten branches, bark, or leaves..
- Colony Type: Polygyne (multiple queens). While typically having 1-5 queens, clearly polygynous colonies have been observed., semi-claustral (queen forages). the queen will need food during the founding stage. founding.
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: 7-9mm
- Worker: 4-6mm
- Colony: Medium (hundreds to a few thousand). Colonies typically range from 100 to 2,500 workers, though some sources state up to 10,000.. Medium (can be fast with optimal conditions and protein-rich diet). growth.
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: Optimal temperature for Myrmica specioides is between 18-26°C. While they can be kept at room temperature, providing a slight heating gradient can encourage brood development..
- Humidity: Myrmica specioides requires high humidity, ideally between 60-80% within the nest. They are prone to drying out, so consistent hydration is crucial..
- Diapause: Required. 3-4 months at 5-15°C.
- Nesting: They prefer damp environments and will thrive in nests with good humidity retention, such as acrylic, ytong, or natural setups with soil and moss. Avoid dry nest types like pure 3D-printed nests without proper hydration. They often nest in soil, under rocks, or wet rotten wood in the wild..
- Behavior: High (towards handler, food or other ants) aggressiveness.
- Common Issues: Dehydration due to insufficient humidity, Lack of protein leading to stalled growth, Escapes (due to their active nature and potential for sting), Mites (from wild-caught food if not sterilized), Queen stress during founding if not fed properly.
One key aspect of keeping Myrmica specioides is managing their diet. These ants are highly carnivorous, with a strong preference for insects. While they do consume sugary foods for energy, like honey water or fruit, their primary dietary need is protein. It's best to offer a variety of feeder insects, such as fruit flies, mealworms, or crickets. Remember to freeze or boil wild-caught insects to prevent introducing mites or diseases to your colony. Providing both protein and sugar sources consistently allows the colony to regulate their own nutritional intake.
Myrmica specioides are known for their aggressive nature, especially when defending their nest or encountering other ant species. They are quick to sting, and their sting can be quite painful. When working with their setup, it's wise to exercise caution to avoid stings. Their aggressive tendencies can also manifest within the colony, as workers have been observed ganging up on and dismembering a colony member every few weeks for unknown reasons. This behavior highlights their robust and somewhat unpredictable nature.
Humidity is paramount for a thriving Myrmica specioides colony. These ants are highly susceptible to dehydration, so maintaining a consistently high humidity level within their nest, ideally between 60-80%, is crucial. Regular hydration of the nest is necessary. In addition to internal nest humidity, always provide an external water source, such as a test tube with water or a liquid feeder in the outworld, to prevent desiccation. Dry nest setups are generally not recommended for this species.
Myrmica specioides is a highly thermophilous species, meaning they thrive in warmer conditions. While they can adapt to room temperature, providing a partial heat source to create a temperature gradient can significantly benefit their brood development and overall colony growth. They are one of the most thermophilous Myrmica species in Central Europe, preferring open areas with scanty vegetation. In the southern parts of their range, they might favor slightly cooler, shadier spots, but generally, warmth is a key factor for their well-being.
Colony founding for Myrmica specioides is semi-claustral, which means the queen will need to forage for food during the initial stages before the first workers emerge. This sets them apart from fully claustral species where the queen relies solely on her fat reserves. Therefore, it's important to provide small amounts of protein and sugar water to the founding queen to support her and her initial brood. Once workers arrive, they will assist in foraging and caring for the growing colony.
