Myrmica multiplex

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Shaanxi Province, China (Palaearctic region). Found at high altitude around 1700 meters on a mountain ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed for this species. The genus Myrmica includes both monogyne and polygyne species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements recorded for this species ^[1]
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements recorded for this species ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown for this species
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown for this species (Development time likely depends on temperature, as with other Myrmica species)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 20-24°C. As a high-altitude species from temperate China, they likely prefer cooler conditions. A temperature gradient allowing them to choose their preferred zone is ideal ^[2].
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity. Keep the nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. Myrmica species do well with a water tube attached to their test tube or nest chamber ^[2].
  • Diapause: Likely required. As a species from temperate China with a clear seasonal cycle, colonies probably need a winter dormancy period. Based on typical Myrmica patterns, provide 3-4 months at around 5-10°C ^[2].
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) nests or test tube setups work well. Provide a moist substrate they can dig into. They prefer tight, enclosed chambers typical of forest floor nesting ants ^[2].
• Behavior: Myrmica workers are active foragers that search for food both on the ground and in low vegetation. They will defend their nest if threatened. Workers have a functional stinger and can deliver a mild sting if handled roughly. Ensure their enclosure has no gaps larger than 1mm. They show typical Myrmica behavior: organized foraging, brood care, and seasonal activity patterns tied to temperature ^[2].
• Common Issues: high-altitude origin means they may not tolerate warm conditions, keep them cool, winter dormancy is likely essential, skipping hibernation may weaken or kill the colony, limited distribution means wild colonies are rarely available, escape prevention is important despite their moderate size, slow colony growth compared to tropical species requires patience

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmica multiplex does well in standard ant keeping setups. A test tube setup with a water reservoir works perfectly for founding colonies, simply fill a test tube about one-third with water, place a cotton ball to create a water chamber, then add the queen and seal with another cotton ball. For established colonies, Y-tong (AAC) nests provide excellent visibility and allow you to watch their behavior. You can also use naturalistic setups with a soil mixture that holds moisture well. Whatever setup you choose, ensure there are no gaps larger than about 1mm. Provide an outworld area for foraging where you can offer food. Keep the nest area darker as Myrmica species prefer dimmer conditions, and cover the nest with an opaque cover to reduce stress ^[2].

Feeding and Diet

Myrmica ants are omnivorous and accept a varied diet. Offer protein sources such as small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms), and provide sugar water, honey, or sugar regularly. In the wild, they forage for honeydew from aphids and small prey. Feed them small prey items 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on how quickly they consume it. Remove any uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Sugar water should be available constantly. A varied diet helps promote healthy brood development ^[2].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species requires careful temperature management. As a high-altitude species from Shaanxi Province, they prefer cooler temperatures than many other ants, aim for around 20-24°C in the active season. Room temperature is often suitable, but avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources. During summer months, ensure they have access to cooler areas of their enclosure. In winter, you should provide a hibernation period of 3-4 months at around 5-10°C. This can be achieved by moving the colony to a cool basement, garage, or refrigerator. Place the test tube or nest in an insulated box and check periodically that the cotton remains moist. Skipping hibernation may weaken the colony over time ^[2].

Colony Founding and Growth

Myrmica multiplex queens likely seal themselves in a small chamber and raise their first workers without leaving to forage, as is typical for the genus. The queen uses stored body fat and nutrients from her collapsed wing muscles to produce eggs and feed the developing larvae. After mating, the queen will shed her wings and dig into soil or find a suitable cavity. She will lay eggs that hatch into larvae, then pupate, and emerge as workers. The first workers are typically smaller than mature workers. Once workers emerge, they take over all foraging, nest maintenance, and brood care. Colony growth is likely moderate ^[2].

Behavior and Temperament

Myrmica multiplex workers are active and organized foragers. They establish clear foraging trails and will recruit nestmates to good food sources through chemical communication. While not aggressive toward humans, they will defend their nest if threatened, they possess a functional stinger and can deliver a mild sting. Workers are primarily ground-dwelling but can climb well, so ensure your setup has barriers. They show clear seasonal activity patterns: more active in warm months, reduced activity as temperatures drop, and complete dormancy during hibernation ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References