Myrmica tenuispina

Myrmica tenuispina

Myrmica tenuispina is a small Myrmica ant species native to the mountains of Central Asia and northeastern Afghanistan. Workers are typical Myrmica-sized with the distinctive feature of notably long propodeal spines (the species name means 'thin thorn' in Latin). They belong to the Myrmica tibetana species group and are found at high elevations between 2400 and 4100 meters above sea level, typically in subalpine meadow habitats where they nest in soil and under stones ^[1]. This is a cold-hardy mountain species adapted to harsh alpine conditions.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Mountains of Central Asia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan) and northeastern Afghanistan at altitudes of 2400-4100m in subalpine meadows ^[1][2]
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Myrmica patterns. Colony structure is not directly documented for this species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Approximately 5-6mm (estimated from related Myrmica species)
  • Worker: Approximately 4-5mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely several hundred workers based on typical Myrmica colony sizes
  • Growth: Moderate, slower than lowland species due to cold mountain habitat
  • Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks at optimal temperature based on related Myrmica species ^[1] (Development is likely slower due to high-altitude cold adaptation. Expect extended development times compared to temperate lowland species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep cool, aim for 15-20°C. This is a cold-hardy mountain species that naturally experiences cool temperatures. Room temperature is often suitable, but avoid overheating. A slight temperature gradient allows workers to choose their preferred zone.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-60%. These ants naturally experience moisture from snowmelt and subalpine conditions. Keep the nest substrate moist but not waterlogged, with some drier areas available.
  • Diapause: Yes, essential for this high-altitude species. Provide a winter rest period of 3-4 months at temperatures around 5-10°C ( refrigerator temperatures). This mimics the natural winter conditions at high elevations.
  • Nesting: Naturalistic setup works well, they nest in soil and under stones in the wild. A Y-tong or plaster nest with a dirt chamber satisfies their need to burrow and nest under cover. Provide a layer of substrate they can dig into.
• Behavior: Generally non-aggressive for a Myrmica species. Workers are active foragers but not particularly defensive. They have a stinger but rarely use it against humans. Escape risk is moderate, use standard barrier methods. As a mountain species, they are more active in cooler conditions and may become sluggish in warm environments.
• Common Issues: Cold sensitivity, warm temperatures above 25°C can stress or kill colonies, Diapause failure, without proper winter rest, colonies may weaken or fail to produce reproductive castes, Slow growth, beginners may lose patience with the slower development compared to tropical species, Humidity balance, too wet causes mold, too dry causes desiccation, Limited availability, this is not a common species in the antkeeping hobby

Natural History and Origin

Myrmica tenuispina is a high-altitude ant species found throughout the mountains of Central Asia, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and northeastern Afghanistan ^[1]. They inhabit subalpine meadows at elevations between 2400 and 4100 meters above sea level, making them one of the more cold-adapted Myrmica species ^[2]. In the wild, they nest in soil and under stones, taking advantage of the rocky mountain terrain ^[1]. The species was originally described by Ruzsky in 1905 and was later elevated from variety to species status ^[3]. They belong to the Myrmica tibetana species group and are distinguished by their notably long propodeal spines, the Latin name 'tenuispina' literally means 'thin thorn' referring to this feature.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species requires cool conditions. In their natural habitat at high elevations, temperatures remain cold even during summer months. Keep the nest area between 15-20°C, this is cooler than most ant species and reflects their mountain origins. Room temperature is often suitable, but avoid placing the colony near heat sources or in warm rooms. During the active season, they can tolerate brief temperature increases but should not be kept above 25°C for extended periods. In winter, provide a diapause (hibernation) period of 3-4 months at refrigerator temperatures around 5-10°C. This winter rest is essential for colony health and reproduction, without it, colonies may fail to produce new queens and males. Reduce feeding during diapause and keep the colony barely moist. ^[1]

Nesting Preferences

In the wild, Myrmica tenuispina nests in soil and under stones in subalpine meadows ^[1]. For captive care, a naturalistic setup works best, provide a nest chamber filled with soil or sandy substrate that allows the ants to dig and create their own tunnels. A Y-tong (acrylic) nest with a dirt insert also works well. The key is providing a compact, dark space they can seal themselves into during founding, and a connection to an outworld for foraging. Because they naturally nest under stones, they prefer nests with solid overhead cover rather than fully exposed observation chambers. Keep the nest humid but ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mold.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, Myrmica tenuispina is omnivorous. They naturally forage for small insects and tend aphids for honeydew. In captivity, offer protein sources such as small crickets, mealworms, fruit flies, and other small insects twice weekly. Sugar sources are also accepted, offer sugar water, honey, or diluted maple syrup on a regular basis. These ants are not specialized predators and will readily accept most standard ant foods. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. During diapause, reduce feeding significantly but do not stop entirely, occasional sugar water helps sustain the colony through winter.

Growth and Development

Colony growth is moderate and slower than many lowland ant species. This is typical for cold-adapted mountain species that have evolved to make the most of short summer active periods. From egg to first worker (nanitic), expect approximately 8-12 weeks at optimal temperatures, though this may extend longer given their cold adaptation. First workers will be smaller than mature workers. Colonies likely reach several hundred workers over several years. The slow growth rate means keepers need patience, do not overfeed in an attempt to speed up development, as excess food causes mold problems. A well-established colony with proper seasonal care (including diapause) will produce reproductive castes (new queens and males) over time. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References