Myrmica wheelerorum

Myrmica wheelerorum

Myrmica wheelerorum is a small, striking ant native to the western United States. Workers measure 4-5mm and queens reach 5-6mm, making them a modest-sized Myrmica species. What makes this ant immediately recognizable is its distinctive yellowish-red coloration, a rare trait in the typically dark Myrmica genus ^[1]. The species was only described in 2007 and remains poorly studied in the wild. Found only in Nevada and Colorado at elevations around 1680m, these ants inhabit the upper Sonoran zone, suggesting they prefer cooler, mountainous conditions ^[2][3]. This is a recent discovery, the Wheelers originally collected specimens in 1971 but misidentified them as Myrmica tahoensis before Francoeur formally described the species .

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the western United States (Nevada and Colorado). Found at altitudes around 1680m (5600 feet) in the upper Sonoran zone ^[2][3]. This is a mountain/boreal habitat with cooler temperatures and seasonal weather patterns.
• Colony Type: Likely single-queen (monogyne) colonies based on typical Myrmica patterns. Colony size is unknown but likely similar to related species at several hundred workers. Ergatoid (wingless replacement queens) may exist as documented in related Myrmica species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 5-6mm (HW 1.05-1.08mm) ^[2]
  • Worker: 4-5mm (HW 0.93-1.08mm) ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, estimated several hundred workers based on related species
  • Growth: Moderate, typical Myrmica development
  • Development: 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature (estimated from related Myrmica species) (Development time follows typical Myrmica patterns, expect slower growth than tropical ants. First workers (nanitics) typically smaller than normal workers.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 18-22°C. Being a mountain species from high altitude, they prefer cooler conditions than many ants. Avoid overheating, room temperature is often ideal. A slight gradient allowing cooler areas is beneficial.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-60%. These are not extreme moisture seekers like some tropical ants. Keep the nest substrate lightly moist but allow some drying between waterings. The arid Nevada climate suggests they tolerate drier conditions.
  • Diapause: Yes, required. As a temperate/mountain species, they need a winter rest period of 3-4 months at temperatures around 5-10°C. This mimics their natural cycle at 1680m elevation where winters are cold.
  • Nesting: Use standard Myrmica setups, test tubes work well for founding colonies, transitioning to Y-tong or plaster nests as the colony grows. They likely nest in soil with some thatch or debris cover in the wild.
• Behavior: Generally calm and non-aggressive for a Myrmica. Workers are active foragers that search for both sugar sources and small prey. They have the typical Myrmica sting, present but small and rarely painful to humans. Escape risk is moderate, they're not particularly small but can climb smooth surfaces. Use standard barrier methods. They may be slower to establish than some faster-growing species.
• Common Issues: limited availability, this is a rarely kept species with few breeders, slow colony growth may frustrate beginners expecting fast development, hibernation is essential, colonies that don't cool down will fail to thrive, escape prevention needed, workers can climb smooth surfaces despite moderate size, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that are difficult to treat

Appearance and Identification

Myrmica wheelerorum is instantly recognizable by its unusual yellowish-red coloration, a striking feature that sets it apart from most other Myrmica species which are typically dark brown or reddish-brown ^[1]. Workers measure 4-5mm with a large, rounded head and distinctive frontal lamellae (the ridge structure near the antennae). The propodeal spines are short and diverging, projecting at about 45 degrees ^[4]. Queens are slightly larger at 5-6mm and possess the typical three ocelli (simple eyes) on their head. The antennae have a characteristic right-angle bend with a spoon-like lamina surrounding the bend ^[5]. This species is closely related to Myrmica crassirugis but can be distinguished by its lighter color, more delicate sculpture, and more developed scape lamina ^[6].

Natural History and Distribution

This ant is known only from two locations in the western United States: Nevada (type locality at 4 miles NNE of Vya, Washoe County at 5600 feet elevation) and Colorado (Florissant) . The Nevada collection site sits at 1680m altitude in the upper Sonoran zone, a transition area between desert and mountain ecosystems ^[2][3]. This suggests the species prefers cooler, more temperate conditions than true desert ants. The upper Sonoran zone experiences cold winters and mild summers, with seasonal temperature swings that would require the ants to enter dormancy. No ecological data exists for the Colorado specimens, making it impossible to confirm whether they occupy similar habitats . The species was named after George C. and Jeanette N. Wheeler, who collected the type specimens in 1971.

Housing and Nesting

Myrmica wheelerorum can be kept in standard Myrmica setups. For founding colonies, a simple test tube setup works well, fill a test tube one-third with water, plug with cotton, and place the queen in the humid chamber. Once workers establish (after 6-10 weeks), the colony can transition to a formicarium. Y-tong (acrylic) nests or plaster nests work well for this species. The chambers should be appropriately sized, not too large for small colonies but spacious enough as they grow. A small outworld allows for foraging and waste disposal. Because they're from a cooler climate, avoid placing the nest in direct heat. Room temperature (18-22°C) is typically ideal. Provide a moisture gradient by keeping one end of the nest slightly damp while allowing another area to dry somewhat.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, Myrmica wheelerorum is omnivorous. Offer sugar water or honey as a constant energy source, they'll readily accept these. For protein, provide small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms. In the wild, they likely forage for small arthropods and tend aphids for honeydew. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on colony size and consumption. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. A varied diet helps ensure healthy brood development. Unlike some specialized predators, they accept a wide range of foods, making them manageable in captivity.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Being a mountain species from 1680m elevation, Myrmica wheelerorum prefers cooler temperatures than many ants. Keep the nest area at 18-22°C, this is cooler than most tropical species require. Avoid temperatures above 25°C, which can stress the colony. A heating cable is generally unnecessary unless your room stays below 18°C. Winter hibernation is essential. Reduce temperatures to 5-10°C for 3-4 months (typically November through February in the Northern Hemisphere). This mimics their natural seasonal cycle and is crucial for colony health. During hibernation, reduce food offerings and keep the nest slightly moist but not wet. Return to normal temperatures gradually in spring.

Colony Development

Myrmica wheelerorum follows typical Myrmica claustral founding. The queen seals herself in a small chamber and raises her first brood alone, living off stored fat reserves. She does not leave to forage during founding. Expect the first workers (nanitics) to emerge in 6-10 weeks under optimal conditions ^[2]. These initial workers are typically smaller than normal workers but will begin foraging to support further growth. Colony growth is moderate, don't expect the rapid expansion seen in some tropical species. A healthy established colony might reach several hundred workers over 2-3 years. The queen has high longevity, potentially living 10-15 years with proper care. Be patient with this species, slow, steady growth is normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

References