Taxonomy
Myrmica sabuleti
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Small species (body length of workers: 4-5mm)
- Head, thorax and abdomen reddish-brown in colour
- Difficult to separate from other Myrmica species and microscopic examination will be required
Diet
Scavenges a wide variety of dead or dying insects, as well as Viola seeds and honeydew from aphids.
Habitat
Typically found in warmer, drier habitats than other Myrmica ant species, including sand dunes, brownfield land and dry grassland.
Flight period
Males typically fly between July and September. Workers may be seen throughout the warmer months of year, from March-October.
Nesting biology
Nests are typically constructed under stones or in the soil and rarely if ever among rotting wood. They usually consist of more than 1 queen and may have over 1000 workers.
Similar species
- Other Myrmica species
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Widespread across Ireland but much more local than other Myrmica species. It favours areas with dry sandy soils and is absent from most other habitats.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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