Myrmica rhytida

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Himalayan region of India (Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh), found at extreme altitudes of 2800-4200 meters above sea level in cold, dry alpine meadows above the timberline ^[3][4][1]
• Colony Type: Colony structure has not been directly studied. Based on typical Myrmica patterns, likely single-queen colonies.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements exist for this species
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements exist for this species
  • Colony: Colony size has not been directly documented in research
  • Growth: Growth rate is not documented in available research
  • Development: Development timeline is unconfirmed for this species (Based on related Myrmica patterns, development likely takes several months due to cold-origin biology.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature around 20-25°C. One study recorded nest temperature at 31°C with 41% relative humidity, indicating this species can tolerate warmer conditions than typical cold-adapted ants ^[1]. Avoid prolonged exposure above 30°C.
  • Humidity: Low to moderate humidity around 40-60%. The natural habitat has low pluviosity (rainfall) and nest humidity was recorded at 41% ^[1]. Allow the nest substrate to dry partially between waterings.
  • Diapause: Likely yes, based on extreme high-altitude origin in the Himalayas where winters are severe, a winter rest period is probably necessary.
  • Nesting: Provide a naturalistic setup with soil chambers or a Y-tong/plaster nest. They naturally nest in soil under stones and in rotting birch logs ^[1]. Keep the nest in a cool location away from direct heat.
• Behavior: This species is relatively docile and not aggressive. Workers are cryptic foragers that stay close to the soil surface and do not climb extensively. They are not known to be escape artists and can be kept in standard setups with moderate escape prevention. They tend root aphids for honeydew in their nests, so sugar sources are readily accepted ^[1]. The stinger is present but small, and the pain level is minimal for humans.
• Common Issues: overheating can be problematic despite some warmth tolerance, monitor for stress above 30°C, hibernation is likely required given their extreme high-altitude origin, colonies may grow slowly due to their cold-origin biology, dry conditions are acceptable but some moisture is still needed, wild-caught colonies from the Himalayas may have parasites or may not adapt well to captivity

Natural History and Distribution

Myrmica rhytida is endemic to the Himalayan regions of northern India, specifically found in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh ^[4]. This is an extremophile species that lives exclusively at extraordinary altitudes between 2800 and 4200 meters above sea level, primarily above the timberline in what are essentially cold desert conditions ^[1]. The species was described by Radchenko and Elmes in 1999 and is considered part of the rugosa species group, though its exact taxonomic placement remains uncertain due to some unique characteristics ^[1].

In the wild, these ants inhabit alpine meadows containing juniper species, dry alpine scrub, and birch forests at elevations where Rhododendron begin to appear. They construct nests in soil, often under stones, and sometimes in rotting birch logs ^[1]. One study recorded nest temperature at 31°C with relative humidity at just 41%, indicating they can tolerate warm conditions. They have been recorded living sympatrically (in the same areas) with Myrmica wardi, but M. rhytida tends to occupy the higher elevations (mean 3600m versus 2700m for M. wardi) ^[1]. This species is classified as an opportunist forager in functional group assessments ^[2].

Temperature Requirements

This species has more flexibility in temperature than typical cold-adapted ants. Research shows nest temperature was recorded at 31°C in their natural habitat ^[1], which is quite warm. However, they still originate from extreme altitudes where temperatures fluctuate significantly.

Keep the nest area at room temperature, roughly 20-25°C. This is warmer than the 18-22°C suggested in the original draft, based on the actual nest temperature data. Avoid allowing temperatures to exceed 30-35°C for extended periods.

During winter, you should still provide a cooler period. Based on their extreme high-altitude origin in the Himalayas, a winter hibernation period of 2-3 months at temperatures between 5-10°C is recommended. Place them in an unheated garage, basement, or refrigerator (dedicated for ant use only) during this period.

Feeding and Diet

Myrmica rhytida tends root aphids inside its nest in the wild, which means it readily accepts sugar sources and protein prey ^[1]. Feed them sugar water, honey, or diluted maple syrup as a constant sugar source. For protein, offer small insects like fruit flies, small mealworms, or cricket pieces.

Their foraging behavior is described as cryptic, they stay very close to the soil surface and have never been observed foraging on plants ^[1]. This means they are not active climbers, so place food directly on the substrate or in a shallow feeding dish at ground level. Remove uneaten protein prey within 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

The fact that they tend aphids suggests they have a strong sugar drive, so sweet liquids should be available at all times.

Nesting and Setup

In nature, Myrmica rhytida nests in soil (often under stones) and in rotting birch logs at high altitudes ^[1]. For captive care, a naturalistic setup with soil or a Y-tong/plaster nest works well. The key is providing appropriate temperature and humidity.

Because they stay close to the soil surface in the wild, they do not need deep nests. Provide a shallow setup with chambers they can easily access. If using a test tube setup, ensure it is kept in a cool location. The nest substrate should be kept moderately moist but allow some drying between waterings, remember their natural nest humidity was only 41% ^[1].

Escape prevention is not a major concern with this species as they are not particularly good climbers or escape artists. Standard barriers are sufficient.

Seasonal Care and Hibernation

Myrmica rhytida likely requires a winter rest period to thrive in captivity. This is based on their extreme Himalayan altitude origin where winters are extremely severe.

From approximately late October/November through February/March, reduce temperatures to 5-10°C and reduce feeding to nothing or very occasionally. Do not feed during hibernation. Keep them in a dark, quiet location during this period. A garage, basement, or dedicated refrigerator works well.

In spring, gradually warm them back to room temperature and resume normal feeding. The colony will become active again as temperatures rise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References