Myrmica wesmaeli

Myrmica wesmaeli

Myrmica wesmaeli is a small, dark reddish-brown ant belonging to the lobicornis species group. Workers measure 4.6-5.6mm with a distinctive petiole shape that distinguishes them from related species like Myrmica lobicornis, the petiole node has an anterior margin meeting the dorsal margin at an obtuse angle rather than a right angle. This species is an Iberian and southern French endemic, found primarily in mountain systems including the Pyrenees where it occurs most frequently between 1500-1800m altitude in subalpine pastures. It typically nests under stones in open areas. The species was described by Bondroit in 1918 and named after the Belgian entomologist Constantin Wesmael.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Pyrenees mountains of Spain, France, and Andorra. Found at high elevations (1500-1800m) in subalpine pastures and alpine meadows. Also recorded in parts of China at similar elevations (1150-2220m). ^[1][2][3]
• Colony Type: Colony structure is not directly documented. Based on typical Myrmica patterns, likely single-queen (monogyne) colonies. No documented ergatoid replacement reproductives for this species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not directly measured, estimated 5-7mm based on genus patterns for lobicornis-group species
  • Worker: 4.6-5.6mm ^[4]
  • Colony: Not directly documented, likely several hundred workers based on related species in the lobicornis group
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for Myrmica species
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Myrmica development at optimal temperature (around 20-24°C) (Development time is inferred from genus-level data for Myrmica species, not directly studied for M. wesmaeli)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature (18-22°C) with a slight gradient. This is a mountain species from cool elevations, so avoid overheating. Room temperature is typically suitable, they naturally experience cool conditions at 1500-1800m altitude.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity (50-70%). Provide a moist nest substrate but avoid waterlogging. Their natural habitat includes alpine meadows with boggy areas, so they appreciate some moisture but also need areas that can dry slightly.
  • Diapause: Yes, as a mountain species from the Pyrenees, they require a winter dormancy period. Provide hibernation at 5-10°C for 3-4 months (November-February in the Northern Hemisphere).
  • Nesting: Natural nesting is under stones in open areas. In captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster nest works well. Provide a moist substrate and ensure the nest is in a cool, stable location. Test tubes are suitable for founding colonies.
• Behavior: Workers are moderately active foragers. Like most Myrmica species, they can sting if threatened, the sting is functional but small. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their nest. Escape risk is moderate, use standard barrier methods. They likely recruit to food sources using typical Myrmica communication.
• Common Issues: mountain species may be sensitive to overheating, keep away from direct heat sources, hibernation is likely required for colony health, skipping winter rest may cause problems, wild-caught colonies may have parasites, quarantine and observe new colonies, limited availability in the antkeeping hobby, may be difficult to acquire, poorly studied species means some care aspects are based on genus inference rather than species-specific data

Natural History and Distribution

Myrmica wesmaeli is a mountain specialist endemic to the Pyrenees and surrounding mountain regions of Spain, France, and Andorra. It occupies a similar ecological niche to Myrmica lobicornis in the Iberian Peninsula where that species is absent. The species is most common at elevations between 1500-1800 meters in subalpine pastures and alpine meadows with boggy areas and forest glades. It has also been recorded in parts of China at elevations from 1150-2220m, though this may represent a separate population. Workers are distinguished from the closely related M. lobicornis by their petiole shape (anterior and dorsal profiles meet at an obtuse rather than right angle) and wider frons. Nuptial flights occur from July to August, with sexuals present in nests during these months. ^[1][2][3][4]

Nest Preferences and Housing

In the wild, M. wesmaeli nests under stones in open areas at high elevation. This tells us they prefer cool, stable conditions with access to moist soil. For captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster formicarium works well, these provide the darkness and humidity control the species needs. Test tubes are perfectly suitable for founding colonies. The nest should be kept in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Because this is a mountain species, they do not tolerate heat well, room temperature (18-22°C) is ideal. Provide a water tube or moisture source to maintain substrate humidity. ^[1][2]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a high-elevation Pyrenean species, M. wesmaeli is adapted to cool conditions. Keep the colony at room temperature (18-22°C), avoid using heating cables or mats unless your room is very cold. They naturally experience cool temperatures at 1500-1800m altitude and may be stressed by overheating. Winter hibernation is essential, provide 3-4 months at 5-10°C (typically November through February). Place the colony in a cool basement, garage, or refrigerator during this period. Do not skip hibernation as it is likely required for colony health and reproductive cycles. ^[1][3]

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, M. wesmaeli is omnivorous with a preference for protein. Offer protein sources such as small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms), and provide sugar water or honey as an energy source. They likely tend aphids for honeydew in captivity as many Myrmica do. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available constantly. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. This species has not been specifically studied for dietary preferences, so recommendations are based on typical Myrmica husbandry.

Colony Development

Colony founding is claustral, the queen seals herself in a chamber and raises the first workers alone using stored fat reserves. First workers (nanitics) will be smaller than mature workers. Development from egg to worker likely takes 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature (around 20-24°C), based on typical Myrmica development patterns. Colony growth is moderate, expect several months to reach significant numbers. Maximum colony size is not documented but likely reaches several hundred workers based on related species in the lobicornis group.

Frequently Asked Questions

References