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

Myrmica religiosa

単女王制 (Monogynous) Non-Parasitic Queen いいえ ゲーマーゲート
学名
Myrmica religiosa
族
Myrmicini
亜科
Myrmicinae
命名者
Bharti & Gul, 2013
分布
0 か国で発見

紹介

Myrmica religiosa is a small, dark ant species endemic to the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. Workers measure approximately 6.12 mm in total length, with a brownish-black body and reddish-brown mandibles, antennae, and legs . This species belongs to the Myrmica inezae species group and is distinguished by its very long propodeal spines and smooth postpetiolar dorsum . The name 'religiosa' refers to its type locality Chaurangi khal (Nachiketa taal), a site of religious significance in Hindu tradition .

分布マップを読み込み中...

国別の分布ステータス Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

在来種 外来種（侵略的） 移入種（屋内） 水際阻止 不明
データソース
年範囲 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Endemic to the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Found at 2300m elevation in dry forested areas dominated by Cedrus, Oak, Rhododendron, and Pinus. Collected under stones in areas with significant human activity [3][2].
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, no specific data on queen number or social structure from research [2][1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, no queen measurements described in literature
    • Worker: 6.12 mm total length (holotype) [1]
    • Colony: Colony size data unavailable, research only documents paratype workers [1]
    • Growth: Unknown, no development data available for this species
    • Development: Unknown, no observations available (Development time not studied for this species)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Based on high-altitude habitat, keep cooler than lowland ants, roughly 20-24°C is likely suitable. Avoid temperatures above 28°C [3]
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, based on field humidity of 65% [3]
    • Diapause: Likely requires winter dormancy due to Himalayan origin, but unconfirmed, start with 3-4 months at 5-10°C and observe
    • Nesting: In nature, nests under stones in forest floor habitats. In captivity, use soil-based or plaster nests with moisture gradient [3]
  • Behavior: Based on Myrmica genus patterns, workers are defensive and may sting if threatened. Escape risk is moderate due to size, ensure proper nest sealing. Foraging behavior typical for ground-nesting ants.
  • Common Issues: overheating can kill colonies due to high-altitude adaptation, winter dormancy may be necessary but is unconfirmed, skipping could weaken colony, humidity must be balanced to prevent mold or desiccation, limited availability since species was only described in 2013

Origin and Natural Habitat

Myrmica religiosa is endemic to the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, and is known only from its type locality at Chaurangi khal [1]. The ants were collected at 2300m elevation in dry forested areas with Cedrus, Oak, Rhododendron, and Pinus trees [3]. They were found under stones, indicating a preference for sheltered nesting sites [2]. Field conditions recorded 30°C temperature and 65% humidity, but this was likely summer daytime data [3].

Appearance and Identification

Workers are approximately 6.12 mm in total length, with a brownish-black body and reddish-brown mandibles, antennae, and legs [1][2]. Key identifying features include very long, straight propodeal spines and a smooth postpetiolar dorsum [2]. The head is longer than wide, and the mesosoma forms a regular arch in profile [1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a high-altitude species, keep temperatures around 20-24°C, avoiding extremes above 28°C [3]. A temperature gradient can be provided using a heating cable on one side of the nest. Winter dormancy is likely required based on Himalayan origin, but unconfirmed, reduce temperatures to 5-10°C for 3-4 months if observed to be necessary.

Nesting Preferences

In the wild, this species nests under stones in dry forested areas [3]. In captivity, use soil-based or plaster nests with a moisture gradient to allow ants to choose humidity zones. Provide a substrate that holds moisture but drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Feeding and Diet

Myrmica religiosa is likely omnivorous, typical for the genus. Offer protein sources like small insects 2-3 times per week and constant sugar water or honey. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold [4].

Colony Development

Founding behavior is unconfirmed, no data on queen founding type [2][1]. Colony growth rate and development timeline are unknown due to lack of observations. Paratype workers were collected from a nest, but colony size data is unavailable [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Myrmica religiosa to raise first workers?

Development time is unknown, no observations available for this species [1].

What temperature do Myrmica religiosa ants need?

Keep them at 20-24°C, based on high-altitude habitat. Avoid temperatures above 28°C [3].

Do Myrmica religiosa ants need hibernation?

Likely yes due to Himalayan origin, but unconfirmed. Start with 3-4 months at 5-10°C and observe colony response.

What do Myrmica religiosa ants eat?

They are likely omnivorous. Offer protein like small insects and constant sugar sources [4].

Are Myrmica religiosa ants good for beginners?

This is a medium-difficulty species due to unconfirmed care requirements and rarity. Better suited for keepers with some experience.

How big do Myrmica religiosa colonies get?

Colony size data is unavailable from research [1].

What type of nest is best for Myrmica religiosa?

Soil-based or plaster nests with a moisture gradient work well, based on their natural nesting under stones [3].

Do Myrmica religiosa ants sting?

Based on Myrmica genus patterns, they can sting defensively, but no species-specific data exists.

Where is Myrmica religiosa found in the wild?

Endemic to Uttarakhand, India, at 2300m elevation in the Himalayas [3][5].

Is Myrmica religiosa a rare ant species?

Yes, it is rare and only known from a specific location, described in 2013 [1].

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References

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