Myrmica spatulata

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Eastern United States: New York to Florida, west to Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and also recorded in Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Mississippi ^[1][5][6]. Found in meadows, fields, wooded areas, and mesic black oak savanna ^[1][2]. Nests in soil and rotting wood ^[4].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed. Likely single-queen (monogyne) based on typical Myrmica patterns, but direct evidence for this species is lacking. Colony size is unknown but inferred to be moderate (several hundred workers) based on related Myrmica species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable – queens described in the original description but no body length provided ^[3]. Estimated ~6–7 mm based on worker size and genus patterns.
  • Worker: 3.9–6.2 mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unconfirmed – estimated up to several hundred workers based on related Myrmica species.
  • Growth: Unknown – inferred to be moderate based on related species.
  • Development: Unknown – estimated 6–10 weeks at 20–24°C based on typical Myrmica development patterns. (Specific development data for M. spatulata is not available. The estimate is from related Myrmica species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20–24°C, reflecting its temperate distribution ^[1]. It tolerates cooler conditions better than tropical species. Provide a slight gradient.
  • Humidity: Moderate – keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as the species nests in soil and rotting wood ^[4].
  • Diapause: Yes – Myrmica species require winter hibernation. Provide a cold period at 5–10°C for 3–4 months during winter.
  • Nesting: Nests in soil and rotting wood in the wild ^[4]. In captivity, use a Y-tong (AAC) nest, plaster formicarium, or a naturalistic setup with moist soil and pieces of wood. Keep chambers scaled to the 4–6 mm worker size. A test tube setup works for founding.
• Behavior: Workers are primarily carnivorous but also feed on nectar and plant exudates ^[4]. They are active foragers and likely use chemical trails to recruit nestmates, typical of Myrmica. They have a stinger but are not known for aggressive stinging. Escape risk is moderate – workers are small (4–6 mm) so ensure tight sealing of all gaps.
• Common Issues: rare species means wild colonies are difficult to find and should not be collected – purchase from reputable breeders instead., confusion with similar Myrmica species makes accurate identification challenging for beginners., slow colony growth can lead to keeper impatience and overfeeding., winter hibernation is required – colonies that are not cooled properly may fail to thrive., wild-caught colonies may harbor parasites that can devastate captive colonies.

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmica spatulata nests in soil and rotting wood in the wild ^[4]. A setup that provides moist substrate works best. Use a Y-tong (AAC) nest, plaster formicarium, or a naturalistic setup with damp soil and pieces of wood or bark. Keep chambers narrow, scaled to the 4–6 mm worker size. A test tube setup connected to a foraging area works well for founding colonies. Ensure excellent escape prevention – workers can squeeze through small gaps. Provide a water reservoir to maintain humidity. Avoid acrylic nests, they do not hold moisture well for this species.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, M. spatulata is primarily carnivorous but also feeds on plant exudates like nectar ^[4]. In captivity, offer protein sources twice a week: small crickets, fruit flies, mealworms, or other small insects. Provide sugar water or honey water constantly, though protein should be the main part of the diet. Remove uneaten prey within 24–48 hours to prevent mold. As the colony grows, increase feeding frequency to match demand.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep the nest area at 20–24°C, reflecting the temperate range of this species ^[1]. They tolerate cooler temperatures better than many tropical ants. During winter, provide a hibernation period of 3–4 months at 5–10°C. This can be done in a refrigerator (not freezer) or a cold garage, depending on your climate. Reduce feeding during hibernation and keep the substrate slightly moist but not wet. Do not freeze the colony. Return them to room temperature gradually in spring.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Myrmica spatulata forms single-queen colonies (likely monogyne based on typical Myrmica patterns). Workers are active foragers that recruit nestmates to food using chemical trails. The colony grows gradually – expect the first workers (nanitics) about 6–10 weeks after founding, then growth accelerates as the colony reaches several hundred workers. Workers have a stinger but are not particularly aggressive, they will defend the nest if threatened. The sting is mild, similar to other small Myrmica species. ^[4][1]

Finding and Acquiring This Species

Myrmica spatulata is considered a rare species throughout its range and is often misidentified in collections ^[2]. It has been documented in: Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia, and New York ^[6][5][2]. Rather than collecting from the wild (which may be illegal and harmful to wild populations), purchase from reputable ant breeders who specialize in North American native species. Wild-caught colonies often harbor parasites that can kill captive colonies, so buying from a trusted source is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References