Taxonomy
Stenamma debile
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Small species (body length of workers: 3-4.5mm)
- Head, thorax, and abdomen dark reddish-brown in colour
- Could be confused with Myrmica species, although the head is somewhat more elongated and less round in shape. Microscopic examination will be required in most cases
Diet
Poorly known, although it has been observed scavenging small invertebrates.
Habitat
Little is known, although it appears to have some association with wooded sites in Ireland.
Flight period
Males typically emerge in August, whilst the workers may be seen throughout the warmer months of the year, especially between April-September.
Nesting biology
Nests are constructed in the soil or underneath stones. They typically contain one queen with fewer than 100 workers.
Similar species
- Other small, reddish-brown ants
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Seemingly a scarce and restricted species in Ireland, with records from Cork, Waterford and Wexford. It is an elusive species and is under-recorded.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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