Myrmica zhengi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Shaanxi, China (Palaearctic region), temperate mountainous area around Foping (33°42'N,107°48'E) at moderate elevation ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Myrmica patterns.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, queen described by Zhang et al. (2012) but measurements not provided in available sources ^[1].
  • Worker: 7.3-8.2mm ^[2]
  • Colony: Up to a few thousand workers, typical for Myrmica genus.
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature. (Development time is estimated as no specific data exists for this species. Temperature will significantly affect development speed.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-24°C. Myrmica species from temperate China do best in cooler conditions compared to tropical ants. Avoid temperatures above 28°C.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity (50-70%). Keep the nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. Provide a water tube as a drinking source.
  • Diapause: Yes, Myrmica species from temperate regions require winter hibernation. Provide a cold period at 5-10°C for 3-4 months during winter (roughly November-February in the Northern Hemisphere).
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster nests work well for this medium-sized Myrmica. They prefer tight-fitting chambers. Naturalistic setups with soil and stones also suit them.
• Behavior: Workers are moderately active and typically forage on the ground. They are not aggressive but will defend the nest if threatened. Myrmica ants have a functional stinger and can deliver a mild sting if handled roughly. Escape risk is moderate, their 7-8mm size means they cannot squeeze through standard test tube barriers, but ensure all connections are secure.
• Common Issues: limited biological data means care recommendations are based on genus patterns rather than species-specific research, be prepared to adjust conditions based on colony behavior., winter hibernation is essential for this temperate species, skipping diapause will weaken or kill the colony over time., moderate growth rate means colonies develop slowly, beginners may lose patience and overfeed, leading to mold problems., temperature sensitivity, they prefer cooler conditions than many ant species, overheating is a common mistake., queen discovery is recent (2012) and colony founding behavior has not been documented.

Nest Preferences

Myrmica zhengi is a medium-sized ant that prefers nests with moderate chamber sizes. In captivity, Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster nests work well, both provide the dark, humid environment these ants prefer. The chambers should be sized appropriately for their 7-8mm workers, too large and they may feel exposed, too small and movement is restricted. A naturalistic setup with a soil substrate and some decorative stones or bark can also work well, mimicking their natural under-rock or soil nest sites. Ensure the nest has some moisture retention but avoid waterlogging, the substrate should feel damp but not soggy. A water tube connected to the outworld provides drinking water, which Myrmica workers will readily use. ^[1][2]

Feeding and Diet

Myrmica zhengi is a typical omnivorous Myrmica species. Feed them protein sources such as small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms) and protein-based commercial ant foods. They also accept sugar sources including honey water, sugar water, and nectar. In the wild, Myrmica species often tend aphids for honeydew, so they may readily accept sugar water. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, offering enough to be consumed within 24-48 hours. Keep a constant sugar water supply in the outworld. Remove uneaten prey to prevent mold. Fresh killed insects are preferred over dried ones. ^[1][2]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species comes from Shaanxi, China, a temperate region with distinct seasons. Keep the nest at 20-24°C, avoiding temperatures above 28°C. Room temperature is typically suitable. During summer, ensure the colony is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources that could cause overheating. In winter, Myrmica zhengi requires a hibernation period of 3-4 months at 5-10°C. This can be provided by moving the colony to a cold garage, basement, or refrigerator (with proper ventilation). Reduce feeding during hibernation but keep a small water source available. Do not skip hibernation, it is essential for colony health and queen fertility. Resume normal feeding and temperatures gradually in spring. ^[1][2]

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Workers of Myrmica zhengi are moderately active and will establish foraging trails when food is discovered. They communicate through chemical pheromones, like other Myrmica species. The colony will likely have a single queen (monogyne) that stays protected in the nest chamber. Workers are not particularly aggressive toward keepers but will sting if threatened or handled roughly, the sting is mild but can cause minor irritation. Their 7-8mm size makes them less prone to escape than tiny ants, but ensure all connections between the nest and outworld are secure. Colonies grow moderately, expect several months to a year before the first major batch of workers (nanitics) appears after founding. ^[1][2]

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