Taxonomy
Myrmica schencki
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Small species (body length of workers: 4-5.5mm)
- Head, thorax and abdomen reddish-brown in colour
- Difficult to separate from other Myrmica sp. and microscopic identification will be required
Diet
Like other related species, the diet of this ant is mixed and may comprise of honeydew from aphids, nectar from flowers as well as other insects, particularly other ant species. It often forages at night.
Habitat
This species is associated with warm, dry habitats over light soils, such as limestone pavement, dry grassland, banks and coastal dunes.
Flight period
Males are on the wing primarily in August. Workers may be seen throughout the warmer months of the year, primarily between April-October.
Nesting biology
Nesting typically occurs in the soil or among grassy/mossy tussocks. A small funnel is usually constructed at the nest entrance which is guarded by a worker ant. Nests typically consist of one queen and several hundred workers.
Similar species
- Other Myrmica species
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
A local and species in Ireland, although it appears to be widespread across the southern half of the island. Its stronghold is the area of limestone pavement in Clare and Galway, with records also coming from Cork and Wexford.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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