Myrmecina hirsuta

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Myrmecina hirsuta is found in Zhejiang province, eastern China. Based on related Myrmecina species, these ants likely inhabit forest floors and shaded areas, nesting in soil or under stones.
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed for this specific species. Most Myrmecina species are monogyne (single queen colonies), though some may have multiple queens. Colony size is unknown but likely small based on genus patterns.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, queen measurements not described in available literature
  • Worker: 3.70-3.76mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely up to 300 workers based on genus patterns
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from typical Myrmecina development
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on related Myrmecina species and typical Myrmicinae development at room temperature (Development time is estimated, not directly studied for this species. Room temperature (20-24°C) is likely optimal.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature, roughly 20-24°C. Based on the temperate/subtropical climate of Zhejiang province, these ants should adapt well to typical indoor conditions.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity is likely preferred. Keep the nest substrate moist but not waterlogged, with some drier areas available. Myrmecina species typically inhabit forest floor environments with moderate moisture.
  • Diapause: Unknown for this specific species. Zhejiang has cold winters, so a winter rest period (diapause) at 10-15°C for 2-3 months may be beneficial, though this is not confirmed.
  • Nesting: Based on genus preferences, these ants likely prefer soil-based nests with good moisture retention. A test tube setup works well for founding colonies. For established colonies, a small formicarium with soil or plaster chambers scaled to their tiny size would be appropriate.
• Behavior: These ants are small and generally docile. They are not aggressive and unlikely to sting humans. Their tiny size means they are adept at squeezing through small gaps, escape prevention is critical. Foraging is likely opportunistic, with workers collecting small insects, honeydew, and nectar. They are not known for any unusual or dramatic behaviors.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their very small size, use fine mesh and tight-fitting lids, slow colony growth can frustrate beginners, patience is needed, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that can devastate captive colonies, overfeeding can lead to mold problems in small nests, test tube setups can flood if water reservoirs are too large for such tiny ants

Housing and Nest Setup

For founding colonies, a simple test tube setup works well. Fill the tube with water reservoir (about 1/3 capacity) and plug with cotton, the small size of these ants means you should use tubes with narrower diameters to prevent flooding. Cover the setup with a dark sleeve for the first few weeks until workers emerge. For established colonies, a small formicarium with soil or gypsum plaster chambers works well. The chambers should be small and scaled to their tiny 3.7mm workers, avoid large, open spaces. A small outworld for foraging completes the setup. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Myrmecina hirsuta is likely an omnivorous species based on genus patterns. Feed a mix of protein and sugar sources. Protein options include small live prey like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworm pieces. Sugar can be provided as diluted honey, sugar water, or honeydew. Feed small amounts 2-3 times per week and remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold. Because of their tiny size, food particles should be appropriately sized, very small pieces that workers can manage.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep these ants at room temperature, ideally 20-24°C. This matches the temperate/subtropical climate of their native Zhejiang province. No special heating is typically required unless your room temperature falls below this range. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a temperature gradient if needed. Winter care is not well documented for this species, but a period of cooler temperatures (10-15°C) for 2-3 months during winter may simulate their natural seasonal cycle and benefit colony health. ^[1]

Behavior and Temperament

Myrmecina hirsuta is a docile, non-aggressive species. Workers are small and unlikely to sting humans. They are not known for any unusual defensive behaviors like alarm pheromone spraying or biting. Activity levels are moderate, workers forage individually rather than in large raiding parties. Their tiny size means they can easily slip through standard barrier methods, so escape prevention requires extra attention. Use fine mesh (at least 0.5mm) on all openings and check for gaps regularly. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References