Taxonomy
Myrmica scabrinodis
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 identification will be required
Diet
Forages primarily on small insects, although it may occasionally steal larvae from other ant species' nests, particularly Lasius flavus.
Habitat
Found in a wide range of more open habitats including grasslands, farmland, bogs, wet grassland, parks and gardens. Avoids well-wooded and excessively dry areas.
Flight period
Males may be seen on the wing between July-August. Workers may be seen throughout the warmer months of the year, particularly March-October.
Nesting biology
Nests may be constructed in a variety of settings including in soils, under stones and in grassy tussocks. Nests sometimes form on the side of mounds constructed by Lasius flavus. They typically consist of 1-5 queens and several hundred workers.
Similar species
- Other Myrmica species
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Widespread and common across Ireland. It can be found in most areas but avoids particularly exposed or high altitude areas.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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