Myrmica spinosior - "Spiny Myrmica Ant"
Myrmica spinosior is a fascinating ant species that belongs to the 'sabuleti complex' of the 'scabrinodis' species group. These ants are reddish-brown and are known for their distinctively wide frons (the area between the eyes on the head). They are closely related to Myrmica sabuleti, sharing very similar ecology and biology. Workers typically measure between 4 and 5 mm. Queens are generally larger, ranging from 7-12 mm, while workers are 5-8 mm. They build their nests under stones or directly in the soil and are found in mountain grassland pastures at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters. Their colonies are polygynous, meaning they can have multiple functional queens, and can grow to include thousands of workers.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Origin & Habitat: Europe, North Africa (specifically France, Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Spain, Türkiye, Albania, Andorra, Corsica) in Mountain grassland pastures, usually under stones or in the soil, at elevations of 1000-2000 meters. They can also be found in forests, near water, and in gardens, nesting under turf, stones, or logs..
- Colony Type: Polygyne (multiple queens), semi-claustral (queen forages) founding.
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: 7-12mm
- Worker: 4-8mm
- Colony: Medium (hundreds to a few thousand workers, up to 10,000 in some Myrmica species). Medium (depends on temperature and feeding) growth.
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: Room temperature (20-28°C) is generally suitable, with an optimal range of 22-25°C for development. You can optionally heat a portion of the nest, but ensure humidity is maintained..
- Humidity: High humidity is crucial. Hydrate the nest regularly and partially. They are prone to drying out. Aim for 50-70% humidity..
- Diapause: Required. 3-5 months at 5-15°C.
- Nesting: These ants prefer nesting under rocks, in wet rotten wood, or directly in the soil. For artificial setups, ytong nests or dirt setups are recommended, provided high humidity can be maintained..
- Behavior: Medium (aggressive towards handler if nest disturbed, and against competing ant species) aggressiveness.
- Common Issues: Dehydration, Mold in nest (due to high humidity and uneaten food), Mites (from unsterilized wild-caught insects), Colony stalling (if diapause is skipped or improper), Humidity fluctuations.
Myrmica spinosior queens are semi-claustral, meaning they need to forage for food during the founding stage before their first workers arrive. This differs from fully claustral species where the queen relies solely on her fat reserves. Therefore, it's essential to offer food to your founding queen(s) regularly. Providing a small amount of sugar water and tiny protein sources like fruit flies will significantly increase her chances of successfully raising her first nanitic workers. Remember, consistency in feeding during this crucial stage is key.
These ants have a relatively small social stomach, so it's more effective to feed them small amounts of food frequently rather than large meals sporadically. This prevents uneaten food from molding in the outworld and ensures the colony gets a steady supply of nutrients. Always ensure they have access to an external water source, such as a test tube with water or a liquid feeder, as they can dehydrate quickly. Maintaining consistent hydration within the nest is also vital to their well-being.
Myrmica spinosior colonies, like many Myrmica species, are polygynous, meaning they can have multiple queens. While this can lead to larger colonies, not all queens in a polygynous setup will necessarily lay eggs; some may even take on worker roles. Observe your colony for any queen-on-queen aggression, especially during the founding phase before the first workers emerge. Although pleometrosis (multiple queens founding together) is possible, competition can arise.
Diapause is a mandatory requirement for Myrmica spinosior. This period of inactivity, typically from November to March, is crucial for the queen's fertility and the overall health and longevity of the colony. Gradually reducing the temperature to between 5-15°C and decreasing feeding during this time will help simulate their natural winter conditions. A proper diapause ensures your colony will thrive and grow well in the following active season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I feed my Myrmica spinosior colony?
Myrmica spinosior ants are not picky eaters. For sugars, they enjoy fruit, sugar water, or ant jellies. For protein, offer them small insects like fruit flies, mealworms, or crickets. Always sterilize wild-caught insects by freezing or boiling to prevent introducing mites to your ant setup.
Do Myrmica spinosior queens need to be fed during founding?
Yes, Myrmica spinosior queens are semi-claustral, which means they need to forage for food to support their first brood. You'll need to offer them small amounts of sugar water and protein, such as a tiny insect, even before the first workers emerge. This active foraging sets them apart from fully claustral species.
How many queens can a Myrmica spinosior colony have?
Myrmica spinosior colonies are polygynous, meaning they can have multiple queens. This allows for potentially larger and more robust colonies, though not all queens may be actively laying eggs. Some Myrmica colonies can even have hundreds of queens.
Is diapause necessary for Myrmica spinosior?
Absolutely! Diapause is a must for Myrmica spinosior. It's their natural winter rest, typically from November to March, and it's essential for the queen's long-term health and fertility, ensuring the colony thrives in the active season.
What kind of nest is best for Myrmica spinosior?
Myrmica spinosior thrive in setups that mimic their natural nesting habits, like ytong nests or natural soil setups. The key is maintaining consistently high humidity, as they are prone to drying out. Avoid dry setups like some 3D-printed nests unless you can guarantee proper moisture levels.
Do Myrmica spinosior ants sting?
Yes, Myrmica spinosior ants can sting, and it can be quite painful, similar to a bee or wasp sting. While typically harmless to humans, it can cause itching and irritation. If you have known allergies to insect stings, it's wise to wear gloves when handling their setup.
How aggressive are Myrmica spinosior ants?
These ants are considered moderately aggressive. They will readily defend their nest if disturbed and can be quite feisty with competing ant species in their foraging area. This can make them exciting to observe, but caution is advised when interacting with them.
What are common issues when keeping Myrmica spinosior?
Keep an eye out for dehydration, as these ants need high humidity. Mold in the nest can be an issue if uneaten food is left or humidity is too high without proper ventilation. Mites can also be introduced by unsterilized wild-caught food. Skipping or improperly executing diapause can lead to colony stalling.
What is the ideal temperature range for Myrmica spinosior?
Myrmica spinosior do well at typical room temperatures, ideally between 20-28°C. For optimal brood development and colony growth, aim for the warmer end of that range, around 22-25°C. If heating, only warm a portion of the nest so the ants can self-regulate.
How fast do Myrmica spinosior colonies grow?
The growth rate of Myrmica spinosior colonies is considered medium. Factors like consistent feeding, proper humidity, and a successful diapause will significantly influence how quickly your colony expands. A well-cared-for colony can grow into a thriving community of thousands.
