Myrmica ordinaria

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown, likely Medium based on genus patterns
• Origin & Habitat: Himalayan regions of India (Kashmir) and Pakistan at altitudes of 2300-3077m ^[1][4]. The type locality is Seven Springs in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India, with another population recorded from Kalam, Pakistan at 2300m elevation ^[4]. This is a high-altitude, cold-adapted species from mountainous terrain.
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Myrmica patterns. No data exists on colony structure for this specific species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~4-5mm, inferred from Myrmica genus
  • Worker: ~4-5mm, inferred from Myrmica genus
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists for this species
  • Growth: Unknown, likely moderate like other Myrmica
  • Development: Unknown, no development data exists for this species (No direct data exists. Related Myrmica species typically take several weeks from egg to worker at room temperature.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 18-22°C, this is a cold-adapted Himalayan species that likely prefers cooler temperatures. Avoid overheating.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity, typical for mountain-dwelling Myrmica. Keep nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Yes, this species is from high-altitude Himalayas and almost certainly requires a winter dormancy period. Provide 3-4 months of cold hibernation.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) nests or test tube setups work well for Myrmica. Provide chambers scaled to their small size. Naturalistic setups with soil and stones also suitable.
• Behavior: Temperament is typical of Myrmica, workers are generally not aggressive but will sting if threatened. They are opportunistic foragers that likely scavenge and hunt small invertebrates. Escape risk is moderate, their small size means they can squeeze through small gaps, so use fine mesh barriers.
• Common Issues: no biological data exists, all care recommendations are inferred from genus patterns, hibernation is essential but beginners often struggle with proper cold dormancy, small size makes escape prevention important, use tight-fitting lids and fine mesh, slow growth may frustrate beginners who expect rapid colony development, high-altitude origin means they likely cannot tolerate prolonged heat

Appearance and Identification

Myrmica ordinaria workers and queens are small ants. They have a dark body coloration, darker than related species like Myrmica cachmiriensis. The most distinguishing feature is the very finely punctated, more or less smooth surfaces between the rugae (ridges) of the head and alitrunk (middle body section). Workers can be identified by their flat (not concave) mesonotal dorsum, which distinguishes them from Myrmica wardi. The pilosity (body hairs) on the sides of the head is relatively longer and subdecumbent (angled downward) compared to related species. Males have not been collected for this species ^[5].

Natural Habitat and Distribution

This species is known only from the Himalayan mountain regions, specifically from the type localities in Kashmir, India and Kalam, Pakistan. The altitudinal range spans from 2300 to 3077 meters above sea level ^[1][2]. This is a high-altitude, cold-adapted species endemic to the Himalayas. The type locality at Seven Springs in Pahalgam sits at approximately 2300m elevation, while specimens have been recorded up to 3077m in certain areas ^[1][4]. The habitat is typical mountainous terrain of the Himalayan region, likely forested areas with cooler temperatures year-round.

Known Biology

Almost nothing is known about the biology of Myrmica ordinaria. Research specifically states 'Nothing is known about the biology' of this species ^[5]. The species belongs to the Myrmica cachmiriensis-complex and has been classified as an 'opportunist' in functional group analyses of Himalayan ant communities ^[3]. This means they are likely generalist foragers that can exploit various food resources. No data exists on their colony founding behavior, development timeline, queen number, nuptial flight timing, or specific dietary needs. All care recommendations must be inferred from what is known about other Himalayan Myrmica species and typical genus behavior.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a high-altitude Himalayan species, Myrmica ordinaria is adapted to cooler temperatures. Keep the nest area in the range of 18-22°C, avoiding prolonged exposure to temperatures above 25°C. A temperature gradient allowing workers to choose their preferred zone is ideal. This species almost certainly requires a winter dormancy period (diapause) given its Himalayan origin at 2300-3077m elevation. Provide 3-4 months of cold hibernation during winter months. This hibernation period is critical for colony health and likely triggers reproductive cycles. Do not attempt to keep this species active year-round without a proper cold period. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Since no specific dietary data exists for Myrmica ordinaria, care should follow typical Myrmica patterns. Offer a balanced diet of sugar sources (honey water, sugar water) and protein (small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, mealworms). Myrmica are opportunistic feeders and generally accept both sweet liquids and protein prey. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and provide constant access to sugar water. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Given their small size, prey items should be appropriately sized. ^[5]

Nesting and Housing

Myrmica ordinaria is a small ant that will do well in standard ant keeping setups. Test tube setups work well for founding colonies, provide a water reservoir connected to a cotton ball for humidity. For established colonies, Y-tong (AAC) nests with narrow chambers scaled to their small size are appropriate. Naturalistic setups with soil and stones can also work, mimicking their natural habitat under stones in mountain terrain. Ensure escape prevention is adequate, their small size means they can squeeze through tiny gaps. Use fine mesh on any ventilation holes. ^[5]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References