Myrmica salina

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to West Siberia, Kazakhstan, and Central/Eastern Europe (Romania, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan). Inhabits wet, saline steppe habitats including salt marsh margins, floodplain meadows, and occasionally xerothermous grasslands. Requires areas with high salt tolerance and tolerance for humidity fluctuations ^[1][3][7]. This species is threatened with extinction in Germany and Thüringen (Red List category 1) ^[8][9].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. No specific research found on whether this species is monogyne (single queen) or polygyne (multiple queens). Based on typical Myrmica patterns, single-queen colonies are likely, but this is not confirmed.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 5-6mm total length ^[2]
  • Worker: 4.7-5mm total length ^[2]
  • Colony: Colony size data unavailable for this species
  • Growth: Growth rate is unconfirmed, likely moderate typical of Myrmica
  • Development: Development time is unconfirmed for this species. Based on related Myrmica species, expect 6-10 weeks at room temperature. (Queens likely seal themselves in to found colonies claustrally, but this is not specifically documented for M. salina.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-24°C. This is a thermophilic species that does well in warmer conditions ^[3]. Room temperature is often suitable.
  • Humidity: Tolerant of humidity fluctuations, one of their key adaptations. Keep nest substrate moderately moist but allow for some drying periods. They handle variable moisture better than most ants. Avoid waterlogging but do not let it dry out completely.
  • Diapause: Yes, as a temperate species from regions with cold winters, they require a winter rest period. Reduce temperature to 5-10°C for 3-4 months (roughly October-March) to simulate hibernation ^[8].
  • Nesting: Natural nesting sites include soil under stones, in compacted ground near salt lakes, and in floodplain areas. In captivity, Y-tong or plaster nests work well. Provide a moisture gradient so ants can choose their preferred humidity zone.
• Behavior: M. salina is notably aggressive toward other Myrmica species, especially in their preferred saline habitats where they can dominate ^[4]. Workers are active foragers and will readily hunt small insects. They have a functional stinger but rarely use it against humans, the sting is mild and comparable to other Myrmica. Escape risk is moderate, they are not particularly small but active, so standard barrier methods work well. This species is protected in several Central European countries due to its rarity and ecological importance.
• Common Issues: colonies can fail if kept too wet during winter hibernation, ensure proper drainage and allow substrate to dry slightly, this species is rare in the hobby and wild-caught colonies may have parasites that kill them in captivity, they are aggressive toward other Myrmica, keep them separated from other ant species, habitat specificity means they may not thrive in typical ant-keeping setups without proper salinity considerations, this species is threatened with extinction in parts of its range (Germany, Thüringen), ensure source is ethical and legal, in some countries, this species is legally protected and cannot be collected from the wild

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmica salina adapts well to standard captive setups, but they do best when given choices. Test tube setups work perfectly for founding colonies. For established colonies, Y-tong or plaster nests work well. The key is providing a humidity gradient: keep one side moist and allow the other to dry slightly. This lets the ants self-regulate, which is important given their natural tolerance for humidity fluctuations. Avoid overly wet or waterlogged conditions, especially during hibernation. A small outworld for foraging allows workers to hunt and collect food. ^[3][7]

Feeding and Diet

Like other Myrmica species, M. salina is omnivorous with a preference for protein. Feed them small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms twice weekly. They also readily accept sugar water, honey, or diluted syrup, this is especially important once the colony reaches 20+ workers. In the wild, they often form mutualistic relationships with root aphids for honeydew, so offering sugar sources helps replicate this. Keep a constant supply of sugar water once the colony is established. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. ^[4]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

M. salina is a thermophilic species that prefers warmer conditions, aim for 20-24°C during the active season. Room temperature is usually suitable, but you can provide a gentle heat gradient using a heating cable on one side of the nest if needed. During winter (roughly October to March), they require a diapause period: reduce temperatures to 5-10°C and reduce feeding. Place them in a cool basement, garage, or refrigerator (not freezer). Keep the nest slightly moist during hibernation, not wet, not dry. Do not feed during diapause. Return them to warm conditions gradually in spring. ^[3][7][8]

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

This species is notably aggressive toward other Myrmica species, particularly in optimal habitat. Workers are active foragers and will readily leave the nest to search for food. They communicate through chemical trails and can mobilize workers to food sources efficiently. The colony will establish distinct foraging patterns once established. Unlike some Myrmica, they do not typically form supercolonies, each nest maintains its own territory. Queens are long-lived and can survive for many years in good conditions. Workers live for 1-3 years depending on their role. ^[4][3]

Ecological Significance

M. salina plays an important role as a host for endangered butterfly species. It is a primary host for Maculinea teleius (Scarce Large Blue) in parts of Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine ^[5][6]. It is also a secondary host for Maculinea alcon and Maculinea rebeli ^[10][11]. This means wild colonies contribute to conservation of these butterflies. If you are keeping this species, you are caring for an ecologically important species, though never release captive colonies as they could disrupt local ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References