Myrmica wangi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Shaanxi Province, China (Huangbaiyuan,34°10′36″N,107°11′03″E). Nests inside decayed wood in broadleaf and coniferous forests at 1,667 m elevation ^[4][1][2].
• Colony Type: Not studied in detail, colony structure is unknown. No specific data on queen number or social organization is available for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not described, queens have not been found or measured yet. Based on typical Myrmica, queens are likely around 5–7 mm total length (inferred from genus) ^[2].
  • Worker: Head length measurements are available (1.60–1.67 mm), but total body length has not been reported. Estimated from typical Myrmica species: workers are about 4–6 mm total length (inferred from genus) ^[1][2].
  • Colony: Unknown, based on related Myrmica species, likely reaches several hundred workers after a few years (estimated) ^[2].
  • Growth: Moderate (estimated from genus patterns)
  • Development: Estimated 6–10 weeks at optimal temperature, based on other Myrmica species (No direct data for Myrmica wangi, these numbers come from related Myrmica and are rough estimates.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20–24 °C during the active season. Avoid temperatures above 28 °C. Because this species comes from high elevations, it prefers it on the cooler side. A temperature gradient in the setup is a good idea ^[4][1].
  • Humidity: Moderate to high. The nest substrate should stay damp but not waterlogged. Their natural habitat is moist forest floor with decayed wood, so a consistently damp nest helps ^[4][1].
  • Diapause: Yes, likely required. As a temperate species from northern China, a winter rest period of 2–3 months at 5–10 °C is recommended. This matches the pattern of other Myrmica from similar climates.
  • Nesting: Test tubes with a water reservoir work great for starting colonies. For larger colonies, Y‑tong (AAC), plaster, or soil nests that hold moisture are best. Adding a few small pieces of decayed wood can encourage natural nesting behavior, but it’s not necessary ^[4][1].
• Behavior: Myrmica wangi workers are active foragers that establish visible trails to food sources. They are not aggressive but will defend their nest if disturbed. Workers are small (estimated 4–6 mm), so use good escape prevention – standard barriers like fluon or PTFE tape on smooth surfaces work well. Like many Myrmica, they can sting but the sting is mild and rarely penetrates human skin ^[2].
• Common Issues: high-elevation origin means they need cooler temps – avoid overheating above 28 °C, hibernation is probably required – skipping winter rest may weaken or kill the colony, growth is naturally slow – patience is key, especially in the first year, damp conditions can cause mold if airflow is poor – balance humidity with ventilation, test tube setups need careful water level monitoring – too much water can flood the nest

Housing and Nest Setup

You can start a colony of Myrmica wangi in a simple test tube with a water reservoir – the damp cotton provides the humidity they need. For larger colonies, switch to a Y‑tong (AAC), plaster, or soil nest that holds moisture. Because they naturally nest in decayed wood, adding a small piece of rotting wood or bark to the outworld can make them feel at home, but it’s not required. Keep the nest substrate damp without creating standing water. Good ventilation helps prevent mold ^[4][1].

Feeding and Diet

Myrmica wangi is omnivorous with a strong protein preference. Offer small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms two to three times per week. They’ll also take sugar water or honey as a treat. In the wild they probably hunt small arthropods and collect honeydew from aphids. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 to 48 hours to stop mold from growing ^[2].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species comes from cool, high-elevation forests, so you need to keep it on the chillier side. Aim for 20–24 °C during spring and summer – room temperature (around 20–22 °C) is often perfect. Never let it go above 28 °C. In winter, give them a hibernation period: 2–3 months at 5–10 °C. You can do this by moving them to an unheated garage, a basement, or a refrigerator (not a freezer). A proper winter rest helps keep the colony healthy and may trigger more queen activity in spring ^[4][1].

Colony Development

Because Myrmica wangi was only described in 2016,there’s very little captive‑rearing data. Based on what we know about other Myrmica, colonies start slowly. The queen likely lays eggs about a week after mating, and the first workers (nanitics) emerge in roughly 6–10 weeks at 22 °C. Don’t expect rapid growth – you might have only 20–30 workers after six months, and a few hundred after two to three years. Patience is everything with this species ^[1][2].

Behavior and Temperament

Workers of Myrmica wangi are active during the day and form clear foraging trails. They aren’t especially aggressive and are unlikely to bother you during routine maintenance, but they will defend the nest if you poke it. Their sting is mild and usually harmless to humans. Because they’re small (around 4–6 mm total length), they can escape through tiny cracks – make sure your nest and outworld are escape‑proof. Standard barriers (fluon, PTFE tape) on smooth surfaces are enough ^[2].

Identification and Similar Species

Myrmica wangi is part of the draco‑complex in the ritae species group, which also includes Myrmica draco, Myrmica oui, Myrmica poldii, Myrmica schoedli, and Myrmica yamanei ^[5][1]. It differs from its close relative M. draco by having a nearly straight rear head margin with broadly rounded corners, frontal carinae that reach the back of the head, and only 0–2 long hairs on the rear head margin. Its colour pattern (brownish‑red head and gaster vs. black mesosoma) is also distinctive. If you’re buying or collecting this species, make sure the supplier can reliably identify it – many Myrmica look alike ^[6][1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References