Taxonomy

Myrmica ruginodis

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

Not Assessed

Species Biology

Identification

  • Small or medium-sized species (body length of workers: 4-6mm)
  • Head, thorax and abdomen reddish-brown in colour
  • Difficult to separate from other Myrmica species and use of microscopic identification will be required

Diet

Workers will forage on a wide variety of resources including honeydew from aphids, insects and seeds. 

Habitat

Occurs in a wide range of habitats including woodlands, bogland margins, moorland, farmland, parks and gardens. 

Flight period

Males emerge in July or August, whilst the workers may be seen from March or April until October. 

Nesting biology

Nests are typically constructed under stones, in the soil, among grassy tussocks, in mossy clumps or in rotten wood. They usually contain several queens and over 1000 workers. The nests will last between 1-2 years.

Similar species

  • Other Myrmica species

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Irish distribution

Commonly found throughout Ireland where it is the commonest Myrmica species. It is more tolerant of cooler microclimates than other Myrmica species and is often the only ant species present in upland moors. 

Temporal change

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

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