Myrmica schoedli

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Northern Vietnam, specifically Sa Pa district in Lao Cai province. Found in well-developed secondary forest at altitudes between 2000-2200m. Nests are located under vegetation on rocks, by the side of streams ^[1][2][3].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Based on typical Myrmica patterns, likely single-queen (monogyne) colonies. No data on ergatoid replacement reproductives for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Approximately 7-9mm total length, inferred from Myrmica genus patterns (queens measured: head 1.30mm, alitrunk 2.46mm) ^[1].
  • Worker: Approximately 4-6mm total length, inferred from Myrmica genus patterns (workers measured: head 1.08-1.24mm) ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists for this species.
  • Growth: Unknown, no development timing data exists for this species.
  • Development: Unconfirmed. Based on typical Myrmica patterns, estimate 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature. (No species-specific development studies exist. Related Myrmica species typically take 6-10 weeks from egg to worker at room temperature.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep cool compared to tropical species. Based on their high-altitude Vietnamese habitat (2000-2200m), aim for 18-22°C. Avoid overheating, temperatures above 25°C may be stressful. Signal: inferred from altitude and habitat.
  • Humidity: High humidity required. Their natural habitat near streams in secondary forest suggests 60-80% relative humidity with consistently moist substrate. Keep the nest substrate damp but not waterlogged. Provide a water tube for drinking water. Signal: inferred from stream-side habitat.
  • Diapause: Likely yes. Most Myrmica species from temperate and subtropical mountain regions require a winter rest period. Based on their high-altitude origin, expect 3-4 months at 5-10°C during winter. Signal: inferred from genus patterns and altitude.
  • Nesting: In nature they nest under rocks near streams in humid forest environments. In captivity, a Y-tong or plaster nest works well. They prefer tight, humid chambers. Avoid dry conditions. Signal: inferred from natural nesting behavior.
• Behavior: Myrmica schoedli is a relatively calm species with typical Myrmica defensive behavior, they can sting but are not overly aggressive. Workers are active foragers, likely hunting small invertebrates in captivity. They have typical Myrmica communication including alarm pheromones and tandem running. Escape risk is moderate due to their small size, use standard mesh barriers. Signal: inferred from genus behavior patterns.
• Common Issues: high altitude origin means they overheat easily, keep temperatures below 25°C, humidity requirements are critical, dry conditions will kill colonies, no captive breeding data exists, wild-caught colonies may have parasites, slow growth compared to tropical species requires patience, hibernation is likely required and must be done properly

Nest Preferences and Housing

In their natural habitat, M. schoedli nests under vegetation on rocks, positioned near streams in humid secondary forest at high altitude ^[1]. This tells us they need consistently moist conditions with good humidity retention. For captive care, a Y-tong or plaster nest works well, both hold humidity effectively. The chambers should be appropriately sized for their small worker size. A naturalistic setup with moist soil and flat stones can also work, mimicking their natural rock-edge nesting. Always provide a water tube connected to the nest, they will drink directly from it. Avoid dry environments entirely, this species is not tolerant of desiccation. Keep the nest area away from direct sunlight and heating elements that could cause drying.

Feeding and Diet

Myrmica species are generalist predators and scavengers. In captivity, offer protein sources like small insects (fruit flies, small mealworms, crickets) and sugar sources (sugar water, honey, diluted maple syrup). Based on typical Myrmica behavior, they likely accept both live and dead prey. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, and keep a constant sugar water source available. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Since no specific feeding studies exist for this species, start with standard Myrmica offerings and adjust based on colony acceptance. Their small worker size means prey items should be appropriately sized.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This is perhaps the most critical aspect of M. schoedli care. Coming from 2000-2200m altitude in northern Vietnam, they are adapted to cool, stable conditions. Keep the nest at 18-22°C, this is cooler than most ant species and reflects their mountain origin. Temperatures above 25°C are likely stressful and may cause colony decline. During summer months, ensure they are not near heat sources. In winter, based on typical Myrmica patterns from similar latitudes and altitudes, they likely require a hibernation period of 3-4 months at 5-10°C. This can be provided by moving the colony to a cool basement, refrigerator (with proper setup), or insulated shed. Do not skip hibernation, it is likely essential for colony health and reproduction. ^[1]

Colony Establishment and Growth

Since M. schoedli was only described in 2006 and has a limited distribution, captive colonies are extremely rare. Most keepers will start with a wild-caught queen during nuptial flights or an established colony if available. Based on typical Myrmica patterns, founding is likely claustral, the queen seals herself in a chamber and raises the first brood alone on stored fat reserves. The first workers (nanitics) will be smaller than mature workers. Growth is expected to be slow compared to tropical species, expect several months to a year before seeing significant colony growth. Patience is essential with this species. No specific data exists on colony size limits. ^[1]

Behavior and Handling

Myrmica schoedli has typical Myrmica temperament, they are not aggressive but will defend the nest if threatened. Workers are moderately active and will forage for food throughout the nest area. They communicate using chemical pheromones and may use tandem running (one worker leads another to food) which is common in the genus. They possess a stinger and can deliver a mild sting if handled roughly, though their small size limits the effectiveness. For escape prevention, use standard ant keeping barriers, while not the smallest ants, they can still fit through small gaps. A tight-fitting lid on the outworld and barrier tape on the edges should prevent escapes. They are not known for particularly aggressive behavior toward keepers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References