Scientific illustration of Myrmica trullicornis ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Myrmica trullicornis

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Myrmica trullicornis
Tribe
Myrmicini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Buren, 1944
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Myrmica trullicornis is a small Myrmica ant species native to the central United States, specifically documented in Illinois and Iowa . The species was originally described in 1944 as a subspecies of Myrmica sabuleti, later became a junior synonym of Myrmica americana, then was treated as a subspecies of Myrmica hamulata, and was finally raised to full species status in 2016 . Type specimens were collected from woodland colonies in Ames, Iowa . Workers are identified by a unique flange structure at the base of the antennal scape - this flange is much broader and almost dish-like compared to the narrower, more elongated flange found in the similar species Myrmica spatulata . This is one of the lesser-studied North American Myrmica species, so much of its specific biology remains undocumented. Care information is based on general Myrmica genus patterns since no species-specific research exists.

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Central United States (Illinois, Iowa), woodland habitats [2][1]
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed for this species. General Myrmica genus patterns suggest single-queen colonies are common, but this has not been documented specifically for M. trullicornis [3]
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements exist for this species. Inferred from Myrmica genus (~7-9mm) [3]
    • Worker: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements exist for this species. Inferred from Myrmica genus (~4-6mm) [3]
    • Colony: Colony size is unconfirmed for this species. Based on typical Myrmica patterns, colonies likely reach several thousand workers at maturity [3]
    • Growth: Growth rate is unconfirmed, inferred from Myrmica genus as moderate
    • Development: Development time is unconfirmed for this species. Based on typical Myrmica genus development, first workers likely appear 6-10 weeks after egg-laying at room temperature [3] (Development timing is estimated from genus-level data since species-specific data does not exist)

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmica trullicornis can be housed in standard antkeeping setups. A test tube setup works well for founding colonies, fill a test tube about one-third with water, insert a cotton plug to create a water reservoir, then place the queen in the tube. For established colonies, Y-tong or plaster nests provide good visibility and humidity control. Type specimens were collected from woodland colonies, suggesting these ants prefer moderately dark nesting areas with moderate moisture [2]. Outworld space should allow for foraging, a simple plastic container with a secure lid works fine. Apply fluon or use barrier tape around the rim of the outworld for escape prevention.

Feeding and Diet

Diet is unconfirmed specifically for Myrmica trullicornis. Based on Myrmica genus patterns, offer protein sources such as small insects (fruit flies, small mealworms, crickets) and sugar sources (honey water, sugar water). In the wild, these ants likely forage for honeydew from aphids and small arthropods, as is typical for the genus. Feed protein 2-3 times per week for growing colonies, and keep a sugar source available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. [3]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Temperature requirements are unconfirmed for this species. Based on Myrmica genus patterns and the temperate geographic range (Illinois, Iowa), keep colonies at 20-24°C during the active season. Room temperature (around 21-23°C) is typically suitable. A slight temperature gradient in the outworld allows workers to choose their preferred zone. Based on genus patterns and the temperate range, colonies likely require a diapause period of 3-4 months at 5-10°C during winter. This can be provided by moving the colony to a cool basement, garage, or refrigerator (not freezer). Hibernation is essential for colony health in temperate species. [3]

Behavior and Temperament

Behavior is unconfirmed specifically for Myrmica trullicornis. Based on Myrmica genus patterns, workers are active foragers with moderate temperament. They are not aggressive toward humans but will defend their nest if disturbed. Each worker has a functional stinger, though the sting is mild. Workers communicate using chemical signals and will recruit nestmates to food sources. These ants are likely diurnal and show peak activity during daylight hours. Standard barrier precautions should be taken to prevent escape. [3]

Colony Growth and Development

Colony development is unconfirmed for Myrmica trullicornis. Based on Myrmica genus patterns, a newly mated queen will seal herself in a claustral chamber and lay her first eggs after a few weeks. The first workers (nanitics) are typically smaller than mature workers but will help expand the colony. Growth is moderate, expect the colony to reach 50-100 workers within the first year under good conditions. Myrmica colonies can live for many years, with queens potentially living 15-20 years. Avoid disturbing the nest during the founding stage as this can cause the queen to abandon or consume her brood. [3]

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Myrmica trullicornis to produce first workers?

First workers typically appear 6-10 weeks after the queen lays eggs, depending on temperature. This estimate is based on typical Myrmica genus development since species-specific timing is unconfirmed. Keep the colony at stable room temperature (21-23°C) during this period.

Do Myrmica trullicornis ants sting?

Based on Myrmica genus patterns, they have a functional stinger. However, their sting is mild compared to many other ants and is comparable to a minor mosquito bite for most people. They are not aggressive and will only sting if directly threatened or handled roughly.

What temperature range is best for Myrmica trullicornis?

Keep them at 20-24°C during the active season. Room temperature is usually suitable. Based on Myrmica genus patterns and the temperate geographic range, they likely require a winter hibernation period at 5-10°C for 3-4 months.

How big do Myrmica trullicornis colonies get?

Based on typical Myrmica genus patterns, mature colonies likely reach several thousand workers. The exact maximum for this specific species is unconfirmed due to limited research.

Do I need to hibernate Myrmica trullicornis?

Based on Myrmica genus patterns and the temperate geographic range (Illinois, Iowa), hibernation is likely required. A winter diapause period of 3-4 months at 5-10°C is typical for temperate Myrmica species. This rest period is essential for colony health and triggers spring reproduction.

Can I keep multiple Myrmica trullicornis queens together?

Colony structure is unconfirmed for this species. Unlike some ants that can form multi-queen colonies, many Myrmica species are single-queen. However, this has not been documented specifically for M. trullicornis. Introducing additional queens may result in fighting.

What should I feed Myrmica trullicornis?

Diet is unconfirmed specifically for this species. Based on Myrmica genus patterns, offer a varied diet including small insects (fruit flies, small mealworms, crickets) for protein and sugar sources (honey water, sugar water). Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available at all times.

Is Myrmica trullicornis good for beginners?

This species is rated as medium difficulty. While Myrmica in general are hardy and established in the hobby, this specific species has very limited documented care information. The lack of species-specific research means keepers must rely on genus-level information. Beginners may find the hibernation requirements and slower growth challenging, but the species is manageable for those willing to learn.

When should I move my colony to a formicarium?

Move from test tube to a formicarium once the colony reaches 50-100 workers and the test tube is becoming cramped. Ensure the formicarium has appropriate humidity control and a suitable outworld before transitioning.

Why is Myrmica trullicornis so hard to find information on?

This species was only raised to full species status in 2016 and was previously considered a subspecies or synonym of other Myrmica species for decades [1]. Limited research exists specifically on this species, so much of what we know is inferred from general Myrmica genus behavior.

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .