Myrmica vandeli - "Bog Myrmica Ant"
Myrmica vandeli is a rather rare red ant, identifiable by its generally dark, almost black queens and workers that are very similar to Myrmica scabrinodis. Key differences in workers include more abundant standing hairs on the body (especially on the petiole), a shallower medial notch on the anterior clypeal margin, and less coarse, almost straight longitudinal rugosity on the alitrunk. Queens are notably larger than other scabrinodis-group species and feature a distinctive longitudinally-concentric rugosity on the petiolar node dorsum. While they share some 'socially parasitic' features, M. vandeli can be a free-living species.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Origin & Habitat: Europe (sporadic across Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, western Ukraine, and former Yugoslavia). in Warm but humid sites like wet meadows, marshes, and bogs, often nesting in moss pads, grass tussocks, or rarely under stones in soil..
- Colony Type: Mainly polygynous, but can also be monogyne depending on habitat., facultative temporary parasitic / claustral (can found independently or by colony division in optimal conditions, but may resort to temporary social parasitism on myrmica scabrinodis in poor or new habitats). founding.
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: Not specified
- Worker: Not specified
- Colony: Medium (Polygynous colonies may contain up to 1500 workers, though most Myrmica species typically have 200-500 workers. Large colonies exceeding 2000 workers are possible.). Slow to Medium (Growth can be slow initially but may accelerate with multiple queens.) growth.
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: Room temperature, ideally 20-25°C. Diapause temperature: 5-8°C..
- Humidity: High humidity is preferred, especially in the nest. Keep the outworld drier..
- Diapause: Required. 3-5 months at 5-8°C.
- Nesting: Natural nests are found in moss pads and grass tussocks. For artificial setups, prefer nests that retain humidity well, such as ytong, plaster, or naturalistic setups with moss/substrate..
- Behavior: Medium (They are known to sting when provoked, and are predators of small invertebrates.) aggressiveness.
- Common Issues: Humidity fluctuations, Mold in nest (due to high humidity requirements without proper ventilation), Colony stalling (especially if founding parasitically without suitable host assistance), Mites (can be a risk in humid setups), Overfeeding leading to waste.
One fascinating aspect of Myrmica vandeli is its potentially flexible colony founding strategy. While they can establish new colonies independently or through colony division in ideal conditions, queens might also adopt a temporary parasitic approach, often relying on Myrmica scabrinodis colonies, especially in less favorable or newly established habitats. This unique behavior makes them a particularly intriguing species for experienced ant keepers looking for a challenge.
These ants thrive in warm, humid environments, mirroring their natural preference for wet meadows and bogs. Maintaining consistent high humidity within the nest is crucial for their well-being and brood development. However, it's equally important to ensure the foraging area, or outworld, remains relatively dry to prevent mold growth and discourage nesting outside the main formicarium. Providing a humid nest and a dry outworld mimics their natural conditions and is key to a healthy colony.
Myrmica vandeli workers bear a striking resemblance to Myrmica scabrinodis, a much more common species. Distinguishing them can be tricky, often requiring a close look at subtle morphological details like the number of standing hairs on the petiole or the clypeal margin. Queens, however, are typically larger and darker, almost black, with a unique petiolar node rugosity. This visual similarity with a common species means careful identification is essential if you're collecting a queen from the wild.
Similar to other Myrmica species, M. vandeli possesses a sting, which they will use if provoked. While generally not considered dangerous to humans, the sting can be painful, similar to a bee sting, and may cause localized discomfort. Exercise caution when handling colonies directly and always use appropriate tools to minimize direct contact. It's wise to be aware of their defensive capabilities.
Foraging habits of Myrmica vandeli are not extensively documented, but they are believed to have a varied diet, including small invertebrates, honeydew, and scavenged edibles. Providing a diverse diet of small feeder insects and a sugar source like honey or sugar water will likely promote healthy colony growth. Observing their foraging behavior in the outworld can be a rewarding aspect of keeping them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of nest is best for Myrmica vandeli?
For Myrmica vandeli, you’ll want a setup that really holds humidity well, mimicking their natural boggy habitats. Ytong nests, plaster setups, or even naturalistic formicariums with a damp substrate like moss are ideal. Just make sure there's also a drier outworld for foraging to keep things balanced and prevent mold.
Do Myrmica vandeli queens need host workers for founding?
It's a bit complex with Myrmica vandeli. They are fascinatingly adaptable! In prime habitats, a queen might found her colony all on her own (claustral founding) or even by splitting from an existing colony. However, if conditions aren't perfect, they can act as temporary social parasites, often on Myrmica scabrinodis. So, it depends on the specific queen and conditions whether she'll need host assistance.
How big do Myrmica vandeli colonies get?
Myrmica vandeli colonies can reach a decent size. Polygynous colonies, those with multiple queens, have been observed to hit around 1500 workers. While many Myrmica species average 200-500 workers, some colonies, especially those thriving, can even exceed 2000 workers.
What do Myrmica vandeli eat?
Like many ant species, Myrmica vandeli enjoys a varied diet. They're known to forage for small invertebrates, collect honeydew, and scavenge for other edible bits. In captivity, you can offer them small feeder insects like fruit flies or small crickets, along with a sugar source such as honey or sugar water.
Is Myrmica vandeli hard to keep?
Myrmica vandeli falls into the 'Medium' difficulty category for antkeeping. While not as straightforward as beginner species, their requirements for warmth, high humidity, and potential parasitic founding make them a rewarding challenge for those with some prior experience. Proper humidity management is key to their success.
Do Myrmica vandeli sting?
Yes, Myrmica vandeli does possess a sting, which they can use in defense. While their sting is generally not considered dangerous to humans, it can be quite painful, often compared to a bee sting. It's always best to exercise caution and avoid direct contact when working with their formicarium.
What's the best temperature for Myrmica vandeli?
For optimal colony activity and brood development, aim for temperatures between 20-25°C. During their required diapause period, which mimics winter, lower the temperature to 5-8°C.
How long is diapause for Myrmica vandeli?
Myrmica vandeli needs a diapause (winter hibernation) period of approximately 3 to 5 months. This cooler period is crucial for the colony's health and ensures they continue to develop well in the following active season.
How can I tell Myrmica vandeli apart from Myrmica scabrinodis?
Distinguishing Myrmica vandeli from Myrmica scabrinodis can be tricky because workers look very similar. Look for more abundant standing hairs on the body, especially on the petiole (more than 10 hairs, often over 20), a shallower medial notch on the anterior clypeal margin, and a less coarse, almost straight longitudinal rugosity on the alitrunk in Myrmica vandeli workers. Queens are usually larger and darker, almost black, with a unique pattern on their petiolar node.
Are there any special considerations for Myrmica vandeli outworlds?
Yes, definitely! While the nest itself needs high humidity, it's vital to keep the outworld dry. This prevents mold growth, discourages them from nesting directly in the foraging area, and creates a more natural gradient, just like in their wild habitats. Providing water and food dishes in the outworld is, of course, essential.
What is the colony growth rate for Myrmica vandeli?
The colony growth rate for Myrmica vandeli can be a bit slow at first, especially during the founding stage. However, if you have a polygynous colony with multiple queens, the growth rate tends to accelerate nicely as more queens contribute to egg-laying. Patience is key with these fascinating ants!
