Myrmica dongi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: High-altitude alpine meadow in Xizang (Tibet), China at 3437m elevation on Sejila Mountain in Linzhi County ^[1]
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed for this species
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~4-6mm, inferred from Myrmica genus patterns ^[1]
  • Worker: ~4-6mm, inferred from Myrmica genus patterns ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available
  • Growth: Moderate, based on typical Myrmica development patterns
  • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on related Myrmica species and temperate climate origin) (Development time estimated from genus-level data, high-altitude origin suggests longer development at cooler temperatures)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 15-22°C, with a cooler side around 15-18°C and warmer areas up to 22°C. Their high-altitude origin means they prefer cooler conditions than most tropical ants ^[1]
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-70%. Keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged, with some drier areas for workers to regulate moisture
  • Diapause: Yes, required. As a high-altitude species from Tibet, they need a cold winter rest period of 3-4 months at 5-10°C
  • Nesting: Nesting preferences unconfirmed. Based on alpine meadow habitat, likely nests in soil under stones or in rotting wood. In captivity, a test tube setup or Y-tong nest with soil substrate works well
• Behavior: Active foragers that search for food on the ground surface. Expected to be moderately aggressive with a functional stinger, typical of Myrmica species. Workers are small but can deliver a noticeable sting. Escape prevention should be good, while not tiny, they can fit through small gaps.
• Common Issues: high-altitude cold requirements may be difficult to provide in warm climates, hibernation is essential, colonies that don't receive proper winter rest may fail to thrive, nesting behavior is unknown, making it harder to provide ideal housing, as a recently described species, limited captive husbandry information exists, wild-caught colonies may struggle to adapt to captive conditions

Origin and Natural Habitat

Myrmica dongi was discovered in the alpine meadows of Sejila Mountain in Linzhi County, Xizang (Tibet), China at an impressive elevation of 3437 meters ^[1]. This makes it one of the highest-elevation Myrmica species currently documented. The type specimens were found foraging on the ground in this harsh alpine environment, where temperatures are cold year-round and winter conditions are severe. The species belongs to the pachei group, which contains several Chinese high-altitude Myrmica species adapted to cool mountain habitats. The distribution is currently known only from this single location in the Palaearctic region. The specific epithet 'dongi' honors Qichang Dong, a famous Chinese artist from the Ming Dynasty ^[1].

Identification and Appearance

Workers of Myrmica dongi are small ants, with head lengths ranging from 1.30-1.41mm ^[1]. The body coloration varies from blackish-brown to reddish-brown to yellowish-brown, with the appendages being somewhat lighter in color. The species has a relatively long antennal scape that is slightly shorter than the head width and curves distinctly at the base without any lobe or carina. The propodeal spines are relatively short, straight, and sharp, pointing backward at an angle of less than 45 degrees. The petiole is high with a very short peduncle, and the node has a distinctive broad dorsal plate. The frons features dense, fine longitudinal rugae, with approximately 20 rugae between the frontal carinae at eye level ^[1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Given their origin at 3437m elevation in Tibet, Myrmica dongi requires cooler temperatures than most commonly kept ant species. Keep the nest area at 15-22°C, with a temperature gradient allowing workers to choose their preferred zone. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create this gradient, but ensure cooler areas remain available. During summer months, room temperature may be suitable if your home stays below 22°C. This species absolutely requires a diapause (winter rest) period of 3-4 months at 5-10°C to maintain healthy colony cycles. Failure to provide proper hibernation conditions will likely result in colony decline over time. In warmer climates, you may need to use a refrigerator or cool cellar for winter storage. The high-altitude origin suggests they are adapted to significant seasonal temperature fluctuations. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Based on typical Myrmica genus behavior, Myrmica dongi is likely omnivorous with a preference for protein sources. Offer small live prey such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms twice weekly. Sugar water or honey should be provided regularly as an energy source, especially for the queen and during periods of high activity. In their alpine meadow habitat, they would have access to small invertebrates and likely honeydew from aphids. Fresh water should always be available. As a recently described species with no documented diet studies, start with standard Myrmica offerings and observe what the colony accepts best.

Nesting and Housing

The natural nesting behavior of Myrmica dongi remains unknown, as the species was only described in 2016 and no nesting sites have been documented ^[1]. Based on the alpine meadow habitat and typical Myrmica preferences, they likely nest in soil under stones or in rotting wood. For captive care, a test tube setup works well for founding colonies, while a Y-tong or acrylic nest with soil chambers suits established colonies. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but allow some drying between water additions. The small worker size means escape prevention should be adequate, standard mesh barriers and tight-fitting lids will suffice. Avoid overly large nests initially, as smaller spaces help colonies feel secure.

Colony Development

No specific data exists on colony development for Myrmica dongi. Based on typical Myrmica patterns and their temperate/high-altitude origin, expect relatively slow growth compared to tropical species. The queen likely seals herself in a chamber and lives off stored fat reserves until first workers emerge, but this founding behavior is unconfirmed for this species. First workers will be smaller than normal workers and may take 6-10 weeks to emerge at optimal temperatures. Colonies likely reach several hundred workers at maturity, though exact maximum size is unknown. Patience is essential with this species, high-altitude ants typically develop more slowly than lowland species.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References