Alpine Jack Jumper Ant
Myrmecia haskinsorum
- Sci. Name
- Myrmecia haskinsorum
- Tribe
- Myrmeciini
- Subfamily
- Myrmeciinae
- Author
- Taylor, 2015
- Common Name
- Alpine Jack Jumper Ant
- Distribution
- Found in 1 countries
Introduction
Myrmecia haskinsorum is a large bulldog ant native to high-elevation alpine regions of southeastern Australia and Tasmania. Workers measure up to 12.0mm in total length . This species has almost no visible body hairs, a darker blackish color, and a unique diffuse bluish cast in live specimens . It is part of the Myrmecia pilosula species complex and was described in 2015 . Nests are often covered by winter snow, and the species is sympatric with other Myrmecia ants . Like other Myrmecia, it has a potent sting that can cause severe allergic reactions in humans . The species is named after Caryl P. Haskins and Edna Haskins for their research on Australian ants.
Quick Summary
- Difficulty: Hard
- Origin & Habitat: High-elevation alpine regions of southeastern Australia and Tasmania, from 200m to 1608m, where nests are regularly covered by snow [1].
- Colony Type: Based on Myrmecia patterns, likely monogyne (single queen colonies).
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements for queens in context.
- Worker: Up to 12.0mm total length [1].
- Colony: Colony size is not well documented.
- Growth: Moderate, inferred from Myrmecia genus patterns.
- Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks, based on genus patterns for cool climates. (Development may be slower due to alpine habitat, observe colony progress.)
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: Keep cool, around 15-22°C, based on alpine adaptation.
- Humidity: Provide a humidity gradient, mostly dry nest chamber with one small moist area, as they are from alpine regions.
- Diapause: Yes, required for 2-3 months at 10-15°C during winter, based on alpine adaptation.
- Nesting: Y-tong or plaster nests work well, providing cool and stable conditions.
- Behavior: Workers are aggressive and have a potent sting [2]. They are visual hunters, diurnal, and will defend the nest actively. Escape risk is high due to their size and climbing ability.
- Common Issues: sting hazard, use gloves when handling colonies, as venom can cause severe allergic reactions., overheating, do not exceed 25°C, as they are adapted to cool alpine conditions., hibernation failure, colonies may weaken without proper winter diapause., slow growth, development is slower than tropical species, patience is required., escape risk, large ants can climb smooth surfaces, use tight barriers.
Housing and Nest Setup
Use Y-tong or plaster nests to provide cool, stable conditions. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent overheating. A test tube setup can work for founding colonies. Provide a water tube for drinking, and ensure escape prevention with tight barriers.
Feeding and Diet
This species is predatory and hunts insects. Offer live prey like crickets or mealworms 2-3 times per week, and provide sugar water or honey water regularly. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours.
Temperature and Seasonal Care
Keep nest temperature around 15-22°C, and avoid exceeding 25°C. During winter, provide a diapause at 10-15°C for 2-3 months to mimic natural alpine conditions. [1]
Behavior and Handling
Workers are defensive and will sting when threatened [2]. Use gloves and move slowly when handling colonies. They are visual hunters and active during daylight hours.
Growth and Development
Colony growth is moderate. The queen lays eggs after founding, and first workers emerge after several months. Development from egg to worker is estimated at 8-12 weeks at optimal temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Myrmecia haskinsorum to produce first workers?
Expect several months from founding to first workers, depending on temperature. Development is slower due to their alpine adaptation.
Do Myrmecia haskinsorum ants sting?
Yes, they can sting and do so readily when threatened. The sting is painful and can cause severe allergic reactions [2].
What temperature should I keep Myrmecia haskinsorum at?
Keep them cool, around 15-22°C, and never exceed 25°C. This is based on their alpine habitat.
Are Myrmecia haskinsorum good for beginners?
No, they are not recommended for beginners due to their potent sting, aggressive behavior, and need for cool temperatures and diapause.
Do Myrmecia haskinsorum need hibernation?
Yes, a winter diapause is required for 2-3 months at 10-15°C, based on their alpine adaptation.
What do Myrmecia haskinsorum eat?
They are predators that hunt insects. Feed live prey like crickets and provide sugar water regularly.
How big do Myrmecia haskinsorum colonies get?
Colony size is not well documented, but they are likely to grow slowly over several years.
Can I keep multiple Myrmecia haskinsorum queens together?
No, based on Myrmecia patterns, they are likely monogyne and multiple queens will fight.
What makes Myrmecia haskinsorum different from other Myrmecia?
It has almost no body hairs, a darker color, and a unique bluish cast in live specimens, and is adapted to cold alpine environments [1].
When should I move Myrmecia haskinsorum from a test tube to a formicarium?
Move them when the colony is crowded, ensuring the new nest maintains cool temperatures.
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References
This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .
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