Myrmica wesmaeli

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Pyrenees Mountains (Spain, France, Andorra) and possibly parts of China (Ningxia, Qinghai) ^[1][5][6]. At elevations of 1500–1800 m in subalpine pastures, alpine meadows, and open rocky slopes ^[2][3][7]. Some Chinese records are considered questionable ^[8]. Nests under stones in open, high-elevation habitats.
• Colony Type: Colony structure is not documented. Most Myrmica are monogyne, but this is unconfirmed for this species. Ergatoid replacement queens have not been reported.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable. Queen and male have been described morphologically but no body length measurements are published ^[4].
  • Worker: 4.6–5.6 mm (total length) ^[1]
  • Colony: Maximum colony size is unknown. Not documented in literature.
  • Growth: Moderate – inferred from typical Myrmica development.
  • Development: No species-specific data. Based on genus patterns, likely 6–10 weeks at 20–24°C. (Development has not been directly studied for this species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature (18–22°C). Avoid heating mats or direct heat. This is a cool-adapted mountain species and overheating can be fatal.
  • Humidity: Moderate. Keep the nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. Natural habitat includes boggy areas and damp meadows ^[9], so provide a humidity gradient with one wet area.
  • Diapause: Yes. As a high-elevation Pyrenean species, winter dormancy is required. Hibernate at 5–10°C for 3–4 months (November–February in Northern Hemisphere).
  • Nesting: Nests under stones in open, sunny sites ^[2][3]. In captivity, use Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests with a moist substrate. Test tubes are fine for founding. Provide a stable, cool location.
• Behavior: Workers are moderately active and forage in open areas. They have a functional sting (typical of Myrmica) but it is small and not aggressive toward humans unless the nest is disturbed ^[4]. Escape risk is moderate, standard barriers (fluon or oil) are recommended. They recruit to food sources using pheromone trails, as is typical for the genus.
• Common Issues: mountain species is sensitive to overheating – keep below 22°C and away from heat sources., hibernation is likely essential – skipping winter rest may prevent colony growth or cause queen death., wild colonies may contain brood parasites or mites – quarantine new colonies before introducing to a formicarium., rarely available in the hobby – may be difficult to obtain outside of Europe., care recommendations are partly based on genus inference because the species is poorly studied, adapt based on observation.

Natural History and Distribution

Myrmica wesmaeli is a mountain specialist of the lobicornis group, endemic to the Pyrenees and surrounding mountains of Spain, France, and Andorra ^[2][3]. It occupies the ecological niche of the more widespread Myrmica lobicornis in areas where that species is absent ^[10]. The species is most common between 1500–1800 m in subalpine pastures, alpine meadows, and forest glades with boggy patches ^[2][3][9]. It also has been recorded in China at 1700–2220 m ^[1][5], though these records are sometimes considered misidentifications ^[8]. Workers are distinguished from M. lobicornis by the petiole shape (obtuse angle between anterior and dorsal faces) and wider frons ^[1]. Nuptial flights occur from July to September, with sexuals present in nests in July and August ^[7][4].

Nest Preferences and Housing

In the wild, this species nests under stones in open, high-elevation habitats ^[2][3]. This tells us they prefer cool, stable, and dark conditions with access to moist soil. For captivity, use a Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest that allows moisture control. A test tube setup works well for small colonies. Keep the nest dark and provide a water source to maintain substrate moisture. Avoid heating, room temperature (18–22°C) is ideal. This species does not tolerate heat or dry conditions well.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a high-elevation species, Myrmica wesmaeli is adapted to cool, stable temperatures. Keep the colony at 18–22°C year-round, and avoid any artificial heating unless your room is very cold. They naturally experience cool summers and cold winters at 1500–1800 m. Winter hibernation is required: provide 3–4 months at 5–10°C (November–February). Use a cool basement, garage, or refrigerator. Skipping hibernation may disrupt the colony’s annual cycle and prevent production of sexuals. ^[2][7]

Feeding and Diet

Diet has not been specifically studied for this species. Based on typical Myrmica feeding habits, they are omnivorous with a strong protein preference. Offer small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms) two to three times per week, and keep sugar water or honey available at all times. They likely also tend aphids for honeydew. Remove leftover protein after 24 hours to prevent mold.

Colony Development

Colony founding has not been directly observed. Most Myrmica queens found independently (claustral or semi-claustral), but this is unconfirmed for M. wesmaeli. Development from egg to worker likely takes 6–10 weeks at optimal temperatures (20–24°C), based on genus patterns. Colony growth is moderate, and maximum size is unknown. No data exists on queen number or social structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References