Myrmica

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Myrmica
Temporal range: 50.3–0 Ma Eocene – Recent
Myrmica rubra
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Myrmicini
Genus: Myrmica
Latreille, 1804
Type species
Formica rubra, now Myrmica rubra
Diversity
214 species
18 fossil species
(Species Checklist, Species by Country)

Myrmica rubra casent0010684 profile 1.jpg

Myrmica rubra

Myrmica rubra casent0010684 dorsal 1.jpg

Specimen Label

Synonyms

A common and abundant element of Holoartic ant faunas, especially at higher latitudes.

Identification

Eguchi, Bui and Yamane (2011) - The worker of Myrmica is somewhat similar to those of Aphaenogaster (see under Aphaenogaster) and Tetramorium. However, in the worker of Tetramorium, the tibial spurs of the middle and hind legs are simple or absent, and the apex of sting bears a small lamellate appendage.

Species groups have proven useful to help organize the often difficult to determine species into more manageable subsets of species. Diagnostic treatments of these groups, and list of species assigned to each group, for many Myrmica species are found here: Myrmica Species Groups. This page does not provide coverage of the North American Myrmica fauna. Some contemporary, albeit preliminary, species group work for North American Myrmica species is found here: Myrmica Species Groups of North America

Fossils

Jessen (2020) - All the known fossil Myrmica species originating from the Eocene were described from worker specimens. According to Radchenko et al. (2007) these fossil ants mostly have long propodeal spines, and their head and alitrunk show very coarse sinuous rugosity and reticulation. Only Myrmica paradoxa has short blunt propodeal teeth and a fine reticulation. In Myrmica species from Enspel, the alitrunk is, primarily, widely and slightly irregularly striated. There is no evidence of an additional reticulation on the alitrunk.

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Species Group Keys

Keys including this Genus

 

Keys to Species in this Genus

Distribution

Distribution and Richness based on AntMaps

Species by Region

Number of species within biogeographic regions, along with the total number of species for each region.

Afrotropical Region Australasian Region Indo-Australian Region Malagasy Region Nearctic Region Neotropical Region Oriental Region Palaearctic Region
Species 0 0 1 0 32 4 58 116
Total Species 2841 1736 3045 932 835 4379 1741 2862

Fossils

Fossils are known from: Baltic amber, Baltic Sea region, Europe (Bartonian, Middle to Late Eocene), Bitterfeld amber, Baltic Sea region, Europe (Bartonian, Middle to Late Eocene), Danish-Scandinavian amber (Bartonian, Middle to Late Eocene), Enspel Formation, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany (Oligocene), Mokrina (Krottensee), Czechia (Late Burdigalian, Early Miocene), Oeningen, Switzerland (Messinian, Late Miocene), Parschlug, Austria (Serravallian, Miocene), Radoboj, Croatia (Burdigalian, Early Miocene).

Biology

Vietnam

Eguchi, Bui and Yamane (2011) - Myrmica species have so far been found exclusively in the mountains of Fan Si Pan above approximately 1,700 m alt. They inhabit sparse to well-developed forests and nest in rotting logs, wood fragments, under stones, in soil around tree bases, etc. Workers forage on the ground and lower vegetation.

Association with Other Organisms

Explore-icon.png Explore: Show all Associate data or Search these data. See also a list of all data tables or learn how data is managed.

Numerous European species are parasitized by Phengaris butterflies. Maturing caterpillars of various species move into the nests of certain Myrmica species and prey on ant brood. They are also able to solicit food from and be fed via trophallaxis.

Species Uncertain

  • An unknown species is a host for the Staphylinid beetle Orphnebius lilizheni  (a myrmecophile) in China (Jiang et al., 2020).
  • An unknown species is a associate (details unknown) for the ichneumonid wasp Pseomachus sp. (a associate (details unknown)) (Quevillon, 2018).
  • An unknown species is a host for the fungus Hormiscium myrmecophilum (a parasite) (Quevillon, 2018) (encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest).
  • An unknown species is a host for the nematode Steinerema carpocapsae (a parasitoid) (Quevillon, 2018) (multiple encounter modes; indirect transmission; transmission outside nest).

All Associate Records for Genus

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Taxon Relationship Associate Type Associate Taxon Associate Relationship Locality Source Notes
Myrmica aimonissabaudiae host ant Myrmica ereptrix inquiline
Myrmica aimonissabaudiae host ant Myrmica latra inquiline India Bharti et al., 2016
Myrmica aimonissabaudiae mutualist aphid Aphis fabae trophobiont Pakistan Gull-E-Fareen et al., 2020
Myrmica aimonissabaudiae mutualist aphid Chaetosiphon (Pentatrichopus) glabrum trophobiont Pakistan Gull-E-Fareen et al., 2020
Myrmica aimonissabaudiae mutualist aphid Cinara confinis trophobiont Pakistan Gull-E-Fareen et al., 2020
Myrmica aimonissabaudiae mutualist aphid Cinara orientalis trophobiont Pakistan Gull-E-Fareen et al., 2020
Myrmica alaskensis workerless inquiline ant Myrmica lampra host
Myrmica alaskensis workerless inquiline ant Myrmica quebecensis host
Myrmica alaskensis xenobiont ant Formicoxenus quebecensis guest
Myrmica aloba host ant Myrmica babiensis workerless inquiline Spain Garcia et al. (2024)
Myrmica americana host diapriid wasp Trichopria myrmicae parasite www.diapriid.org potential host
Myrmica babiensis workerless inquiline ant Myrmica aloba host Spain García et al. (2024)
Myrmica bibikoffi temporary parasite ant Myrmica sabuleti host Switzerland de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010; Radchenko & Elmes, 2003
Myrmica bibikoffi temporary parasite ant Myrmica spinosior host Germany; Catalonia, Spain de la Mora et al., 2021; Garcia et al., 2008; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica cagnianti host ant Myrmica kabylica workerless inquiline
Myrmica colax inquiline ant Myrmica striolagaster host Texas, United States de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica curvithorax host fungus Rickia wasmannii parasite Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest
Myrmica curvithorax host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen Espadaler & Santamaria, 2012
Myrmica ereptrix inquiline ant Myrmica aimonissabaudiae host Kashmir, India de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica fracticornis xenobiont ant Formicoxenus provancheri xenobiont
Myrmica gallienii host ant Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline
Myrmica gallienii host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen
Myrmica gallienii host nematode Mermithidae (unspec.) parasite Hungary Csosz & Majoros, 2009; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica hamulata xenobiont ant Lasius latipes xenobiont
Myrmica hirsuta inquiline ant Myrmica lonae host Europe de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010 workers rare
Myrmica hirsuta inquiline ant Myrmica sabuleti host de la Mora et al., 2021; Elmes, 1978; Jansen et al., 2010 workers rare
Myrmica incompleta host ''Microdon'' fly Microdon albicomatus predator Idaho (type), Washington Novak, 1977
Myrmica incompleta host eucharitid wasp Eucharis sp. parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Aphis asclepiadis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Aphis farinosa trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019 as ''Myrmica whymperi''
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Aphis gossypii trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Aphis medicaginis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Aphis oenotherae trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019 as ''Myrmica whymperi''
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Aphis pomi trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Aphis populicola trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Aphis rumicis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Artemisaphis artemisicola trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Brachycaudus cardui trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Brachycaudus prunicola trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Chaitophorus macrostachyae trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Chaitophorus populicola trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Chaitophorus viminalis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019 as ''Myrmica whymperi''
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Cinara oregonensis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Eriosoma crataegi trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Protaphis middletonii trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Pterocomma bicolor trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Pterocomma salicis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Uroleucon ambrosiae trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta mutualist aphid Wahlgreniella nervata trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica incompleta xenobiont ant Formicoxenus provancheri xenobiont
Myrmica jessensis host ant Formica sanguinea slave maker Hayashida, 1966
Myrmica jessensis host ant Myrmica yadori workerless inquiline Japan Terayama et al., 2024
Myrmica kabylica workerless inquiline ant Myrmica cagnianti host Algeria de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline ant Myrmica gallienii host de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline ant Myrmica lonae host de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline ant Myrmica rugulosa host de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline ant Myrmica sabuleti host de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline ant Myrmica scabrinodis host de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica kotokui host ichneumonid wasp Sp. nov. parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica lampra workerless inquiline ant Myrmica alaskensis host Quebec, Canada de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica latra inquiline ant Myrmica aimonissabaudiae host India Bharti et al., 2016; de la Mora et al., 2021
Myrmica laurae workerless inquiline ant Myrmica sabuleti host Mei, 1987 identification needs confirmation
Myrmica laurae workerless inquiline ant Myrmica scabrinodis host central Italy de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica laurae workerless inquiline ant Myrmica spinosior host central Italy de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica lemasnei workerless inquiline ant Myrmica spinosior host Pyrenees de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010 misidentified as ''Myrmica sabuleti''
Myrmica lobicornis host ichneumonid wasp Hybrizon buccatus parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica lobicornis host phorid fly Pseudacteon formicarum parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica lobulicornis host ant Myrmica myrmicoxena workerless inquiline
Myrmica lonae host ant Myrmica hirsuta inquiline de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica lonae host ant Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline
Myrmica lonae host butterfly Phengaris arion parasite Sielezniew et al., 2010
Myrmica luteola temporary parasite ant Manica yessensis host Japan de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010; Masuko & Terayama, 2002
Myrmica myrmicoxena workerless inquiline ant Myrmica lobulicornis host Austria, Switzerland de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010; Radchenko & Elmes, 2003; Seifert, 2018
Myrmica nefaria inquiline ant Myrmica rupestris host India de la Mora et al., 2021; Bharti, 2012; Radchenko and Elmes, 2010
Myrmica pinetorum xenobiont ant Myrmecina americana xenobiont United States Kanizsai et al., 2013; Wheeler, 1921
Myrmica punctiventris host ant Myrmica semiparasitica temporary parasite
Myrmica punctiventris mutualist aphid Aphis illinoisensis trophobiont Favret et al., 2010; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica punctiventris mutualist aphid Aphis lugentis trophobiont Favret et al., 2010; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica punctiventris mutualist aphid Drepanaphis nigricans trophobiont Favret et al., 2010; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica quebecensis workerless inquiline ant Myrmica alaskensis host northeastern North America de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica rubra associate (details unknown) encyrtid wasp Syrphophagus aphidivorus associate (details unknown) Quevillon, 2018
Myrmica rubra host cestode Davaineidae (Raillietina urogalli??) parasite Scotland Muir, 1954; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica rubra host cestode Raillietina urogalli parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode secondary; indirect transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica rubra host encyrtid wasp Syrphophagus aphidivorus parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database associate
Myrmica rubra host fungus Ophiocordyceps kniphofioides parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica rubra host fungus Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila pathogen Shrestha et al., 2017
Myrmica rubra host fungus Ophiocordyceps myrmicarum parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica rubra host fungus Ophiocordyceps subramanianii parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica rubra host fungus Rickia wasmannii parasite Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest
Myrmica rubra host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen Espadaler & Santamaria, 2012
Myrmica rubra host gregarine Mattesia geminata parasite Germany Buschinger & Kleespies, 1999
Myrmica rubra host mite Petalomium podolicus parasite Khaustov, 2015 ectoparasite
Myrmica rubra host mite Scutacarus longisetus parasite Khaustov, 2015 ectoparasite; as ''Myrmica laevinodis''
Myrmica rubra host nematode Mermithidae (unspec.) parasite Poland Czechowsk et al., 2007; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica rubra host nematode Mermithidae (unspecified "Mermix") parasite Germany Gosswald, 1930; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica rubra host pteromalid wasp Asaphes vulgaris parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database associate
Myrmica rubra host pteromalid wasp Pachyneuron aphidis parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database associate
Myrmica rubra mutualist aphid Cinara apini trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica rubra xenobiont ant Formica fusca xenobiont Finland, United Kingdom Czechowski, W. 2003; Czechowski, 2004; Kanizsai et al., 2013; Morley, 1945 habitat foreshore, nests in decaying wood, under stone
Myrmica rubra xenobiont ant Lasius niger xenobiont Finland Czechowski, 2004; Kanizsai et al., 2013 Shore meadow; at road. Under stone; between asphalt edge and grass.
Myrmica rubra xenobiont ant Lasius platythorax xenobiont Finland Czechowski, 2004; Kanizsai et al., 2013 Forest. In decaying wood
Myrmica rubra xenobiont ant Leptothorax muscorum xenobiont Finland Czechowski, 2004; Kanizsai et al., 2013 Shore meadow. Under stone
Myrmica ruginodis host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen Csata et al., 2013
Myrmica ruginodis host ichneumonid wasp Hybrizon buccatus parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica ruginodis host mite Petalomium carelitschensis parasite Khaustov, 2015 ectoparasite
Myrmica ruginodis host mite Petalomium podolicus parasite Khaustov, 2015 ectoparasite
Myrmica ruginodis host nematode Mermithidae (unspecified "Mermix") parasite Germany Gosswald, 1930; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica ruginodis host phorid fly Aenigmatias franzi parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica ruginodis host phorid fly Pseudacteon brevicauda parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica ruginodis mutualist aphid Aphis fabae trophobiont Akyildirim et al., 2014; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica ruginodis mutualist aphid Aphis jacobaeae trophobiont Müller and Godfray, 1999; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica ruginodis mutualist aphid Brachycaudus cardui trophobiont Müller and Godfray, 1999; Akyildirim et al., 2014; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica ruginodis xenobiont ant Formica fusca xenobiont Poland Kanizsai et al., 2013; Włodarczyk et al., 2009 Clearcut of managed forest, in tree stumps
Myrmica ruginodis xenobiont ant Lasius flavus xenobiont Italy Balzani et al., 2022
Myrmica rugulosa host ant Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline
Myrmica rugulosa host nematode Diploscapter lycostoma parasite Wahab, 1962
Myrmica rugulosa host nematode Mermithidae (unspec.) parasite Poland Czechowsk et al., 2007; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica rugulosa host nematode Mermithidae (unspecified "Mermix") parasite Germany Gosswald, 1930; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica rupestris host ant Myrmica nefaria inquiline India Radchenko and Elmes, 2010; Bharti, 2012
Myrmica sabuleti host ant Myrmica bibikoffi temporary parasite Switzerland de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica sabuleti host ant Myrmica hirsuta inquiline de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica sabuleti host ant Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline
Myrmica sabuleti host ant Myrmica laurae workerless inquiline identification needs confirmation
Myrmica sabuleti host butterfly Maculinea arion parasite Barbero et al., 2009
Myrmica sabuleti host fungus Hormiscium myrmecophilum pathogen Espadaler & Santamaria, 2012
Myrmica sabuleti host fungus Rickia wasmannii parasite Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest
Myrmica sabuleti host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen Espadaler & Santamaria, 2012
Myrmica sabuleti host nematode Hexamermis/Agamermis parasite Germany Steiner et al., 2019; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica sabuleti host nematode Mermithidae (unspec.) parasite Poland Czechowsk et al., 2007; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica sabuleti mutualist butterfly Phengaris arion Obregon et al. 2015
Myrmica scabrinodis host ''Microdon'' fly Microdon myrmicae predator Devon, England, U.K. Scarparo et al., 2020
Myrmica scabrinodis host ant Myrmica karavajevi workerless inquiline
Myrmica scabrinodis host ant Myrmica laurae workerless inquiline de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica scabrinodis host ant Myrmica vandeli temporary parasite Europe de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010; Seifert, 2018
Myrmica scabrinodis host butterfly Glaucopsyche alexis Obregon et al. 2015
Myrmica scabrinodis host butterfly Maculinea alcon Tartally et al., 2019; Ebsen et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis host butterfly Maculinea teleius Tartally et al., 2019; Ebsen et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis host cestode Davaineidae (Raillietina urogalli??) parasite Scotland Muir, 1954; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica scabrinodis host cestode Raillietina urogalli parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode secondary; indirect transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica scabrinodis host fungus Rickia wasmanniii parasite Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest
Myrmica scabrinodis host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen Espadaler & Santamaria, 2012
Myrmica scabrinodis host ichneumonid wasp Hybrizon buccatus parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica scabrinodis host nematode "Mermis" parasite Hungary, France, Austria, Italy Csosz, 2012; Laciny, 2021 infected ant described as ''Sommimyrma symbiotica'', now ''Myrmica scabrinodis''
Myrmica scabrinodis host nematode Mermithidae (unspecified "Mermix") parasite Germany Gosswald, 1930; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica scabrinodis host phorid fly Pseudacteon brevicauda parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Myrmica scabrinodis mutualist aphid Aphis asclepiadis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis mutualist aphid Aphis forbesi trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis mutualist aphid Brachycaudus helichrysi trophobiont Akyildirim et al., 2014; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis mutualist aphid Brachycaudus persicae trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis mutualist aphid Cinara brevispinosa trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis mutualist aphid Cryptomyzus ribis trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis mutualist aphid Drepanaphis acerifoliae trophobiont Jones, 1927; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmica scabrinodis xenobiont ant Lasius flavus xenobiont United Kingdom Kanizsai et al., 2013; Morley, 1945 Foreshore. Under stone.
Myrmica schencki host butterfly Maculinea rebeli parasite Barbero et al., 2009
Myrmica schencki host butterfly Phengaris arion parasite Sielezniew et al., 2010b
Myrmica schencki host butterfly Phengaris rebeli parasite Settele et al., 2005; Sielezniew et al., 2010a
Myrmica schencki host nematode Mermithidae (unspecified "Mermix") parasite Germany Gosswald, 1930; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica semiparasitica temporary parasite ant Myrmica punctiventris host Canada, United States de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica specioides host fungus Rickia wasmannii parasite Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest
Myrmica specioides host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen Espadaler & Santamaria, 2012
Myrmica spinosior host ant Myrmica bibikoffi temporary parasite Germany de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica spinosior host ant Myrmica laurae workerless inquiline de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica spinosior host ant Myrmica lemasnei workerless inquiline Pyrenees de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010
Myrmica spinosior host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen Espadaler & Santamaria, 2012
Myrmica striolagaster host ant Myrmica colax inquiline
Myrmica sulcinodis host nematode "Mermis" parasite Hungary, France, Austria, Italy Radchenko & Elmes, 2003; Csosz, 2012; Laciny, 2021
Myrmica vandeli host fungus Rickia wasmanniii parasite Quevillon, 2018 encounter mode primary; direct transmission; transmission within nest
Myrmica vandeli host fungus Rickia wasmanniii pathogen Espadaler & Santamaria, 2012; De Kesel et al. 2016, Haelewaters et al. 2015a, 2015b
Myrmica vandeli temporary parasite ant Myrmica scabrinodis host Europe de la Mora et al., 2021; Jansen et al., 2010; Seifert, 2018
Myrmica yadori workerless inquiline ant Myrmica jessensis host Japan Terayama et al., 2024
Myrmicaria aphidicola mutualist aphid Toxoptera odinae trophobiont Calilung, 2000
Myrmicaria brunnea mutualist aphid Aphis gossypii trophobiont Lokeshwari et al., 2015; Saddiqui et al., 2019
Myrmicaria opaciventris associate (details unknown) encyrtid wasp Ooencrytus sp. associate (details unknown) Quevillon, 2018
Myrmicaria opaciventris host encyrtid wasp Ooencyrtus sp. parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database associate
Myrmicaria opaciventris mutualist psyllid Diaphorina enderleini trophobiont Cameroon, Ethiopia Aléné et al., 2011

Flight Period

All Flight Records for Genus

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Taxon Month Source Notes
Myrmica aloba Jul Aug Sep Radchenko & Elmes, 2010
Myrmica bibikoffi Aug antkeeping.info
Myrmica constricta Aug Sep Radchenko & Elmes, 2010
Myrmica deplanata Jul Aug Sep Radchenko & Elmes, 2010
Myrmica forcipata Jul Aug Radchenko & Elmes, 2010
Myrmica gallienii Aug Sep Oct antkeeping.info
Myrmica hellenica Aug Sep Oct antkeeping.info
Myrmica hirsuta Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica jessensis Sep Japan
Myrmica karavajevi Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica kotokui Aug Sep Oct Japan
Myrmica kurokii Aug
Myrmica lobicornis Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica lobulicornis Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica lonae Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica pinetorum May antkeeping.info
Myrmica pisarskii Jul Aug Sep Radchenko & Elmes, 2010
Myrmica punctiventris Sep Oct Nov antkeeping.info
Myrmica rubra Aug antkeeping.info
Myrmica ruginodis Jul Aug antkeeping.info
Myrmica rugulosa Aug Sep Oct antkeeping.info
Myrmica sabuleti Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica salina Aug antkeeping.info
Myrmica scabrinodis Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica schencki Jul Aug antkeeping.info
Myrmica specioides Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica sulcinodis Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica vandeli Jul Aug Sep antkeeping.info
Myrmica wesmaeli Aug Sep Radchenko & Elmes, 2010
Myrmicaria natalensis Jan antkeeping.info

Life History Traits

  • Mean colony size: 86-3000 (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Compound colony type: temperary parasite (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Nest site: hypogaeic (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Diet class: predator (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Foraging stratum: subterranean/leaf litter (Greer et al., 2021)

Castes

Morphology

Worker Morphology

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• Antennal segment count: 12 • Antennal club: 3-4 • Palp formula: 6,4 • Total dental count: 6-10 • Spur formula: 1 simple-pectinate, 1 simple-pectinate; 0, 0 • Eyes: 11->100 ommatidia • Pronotal Spines: absent • Mesonotal Spines: absent • Propodeal Spines: present • Petiolar Spines: absent • Caste: none or weak • Sting: present • Metaplural Gland: absent; present • Cocoon: absent

Male Morphology

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 • Antennal segment count 12-13 • Antennal club 4-5; gradual-3 in some social parasites • Palp formula 6,4 • Total dental count 3-8 • Spur formula 1 barbulate-pectinate, 1 barbulate-pectinate; 0, 1 barbulate-pectinate; 0, 0

Karyotype

All Karyotype Records for Genus

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Taxon Haploid Diploid Karyotype Locality Source Notes
Myrmica lobicornis 24 Hauschteck-Jungen & Jungen, 1983
Myrmica rubra 48 Switzerland Hauschteck-Jungen & Jungen, 1983 as ''Myrmica laevinodis''
Myrmica rubra 23 46 Japan Imai, 1969
Myrmica ruginodis 48 Switzerland Hauschteck, 1965
Myrmica ruginodis 24 Switzerland Hauschteck-Jungen & Jungen, 1983
Myrmica sabuleti 46 Switzerland Hauschteck, 1965
Myrmica sabuleti 23 Switzerland Hauschteck-Jungen & Jungen, 1983
Myrmica scabrinodis 22 44 Switzerland Hauschteck, 1965
Myrmica schencki 23 46 Switzerland Hauschteck-Jungen & Jungen, 1983
Myrmica sulcinodis 24 Switzerland Crozier, 1975 2n=24 is probably a mistake
Myrmica sulcinodis 28 56 Switzerland Hauschteck, 1965; Hauschteck-Jungen & Jungen, 1983
Myrmicaria brunnea 44 24M+20A India Imai et al., 1984 The photo is the ''Myrmicaria brunnea subcarinata''

Phylogeny

Myrmicinae
Myrmicini
Pogonomyrmecini
Stenammini
Solenopsidini
Attini

Ochetomyrmex  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Tranopelta  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Diaphoromyrma  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Lachnomyrmex  (16 species, 0 fossil species)

Blepharidatta  (4 species, 0 fossil species)

Allomerus  (8 species, 0 fossil species)

Wasmannia  (11 species, 0 fossil species)

Pheidole  (1,294 species, 7 fossil species)

Cephalotes  (123 species, 16 fossil species)

Procryptocerus  (44 species, 0 fossil species)

Strumigenys  (880 species, 4 fossil species)

Phalacromyrmex  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Pilotrochus  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Protalaridris  (7 species, 0 fossil species)

Rhopalothrix  (19 species, 0 fossil species)

Basiceros  (9 species, 0 fossil species)

Octostruma  (35 species, 0 fossil species)

Eurhopalothrix  (55 species, 0 fossil species)

Talaridris  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Acanthognathus  (7 species, 1 fossil species)

Daceton  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Lenomyrmex  (7 species, 0 fossil species)

Microdaceton  (4 species, 0 fossil species)

Orectognathus  (29 species, 0 fossil species)

Colobostruma  (16 species, 0 fossil species)

Epopostruma  (20 species, 0 fossil species)

Mesostruma  (9 species, 0 fossil species)

Paleoattina

Apterostigma  (44 species, 2 fossil species)

Mycocepurus  (6 species, 0 fossil species)

Myrmicocrypta  (31 species, 0 fossil species)

Neoattina

Cyatta  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Kalathomyrmex  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Mycetarotes  (4 species, 0 fossil species)

Mycetosoritis  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

some Cyphomyrmex  (23 species, 2 fossil species)

some Cyphomyrmex

Paramycetophylax  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Mycetophylax  (21 species, 0 fossil species)

Mycetagroicus  (4 species, 0 fossil species)

Mycetomoellerius  (31 species, 1 fossil species)

Sericomyrmex  (11 species, 0 fossil species)

Xerolitor  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Paratrachymyrmex  (9 species, 0 fossil species)

Trachymyrmex  (9 species, 0 fossil species)

Amoimyrmex  (3 species, 0 fossil species)

Atta  (20 species, 1 fossil species)

some Acromyrmex  (56 species, 0 fossil species)

some Acromyrmex

Pseudoatta  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Crematogastrini

Rostromyrmex  (1 species, 6 fossil species)

Cardiocondyla  (90 species, 0 fossil species)

Ocymyrmex  (34 species, 0 fossil species)

Nesomyrmex  (84 species, 2 fossil species)

Xenomyrmex  (5 species, 0 fossil species)

Terataner  (14 species, 0 fossil species)

Atopomyrmex  (3 species, 0 fossil species)

Cataulacus  (65 species, 3 fossil species)

Carebara  (251 species, 9 fossil species)

Diplomorium  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Melissotarsus  (4 species, 1 fossil species)

Rhopalomastix  (14 species, 0 fossil species)

Calyptomyrmex  (38 species, 0 fossil species)

Strongylognathus  (27 species, 0 fossil species), Tetramorium  (602 species, 2 fossil species)

Cyphoidris  (4 species, 0 fossil species)

Dicroaspis  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Aretidris  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Vollenhovia  (83 species, 3 fossil species)

Dacetinops  (7 species, 0 fossil species)

Indomyrma  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Crematogaster  (784 species, 0 fossil species)

Meranoplus  (93 species, 0 fossil species)

Lophomyrmex  (13 species, 0 fossil species)

Adlerzia  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Recurvidris  (12 species, 0 fossil species)

Stereomyrmex  (3 species, 0 fossil species)

Trichomyrmex  (29 species, 0 fossil species)

Eutetramorium  (3 species, 0 fossil species)

Royidris  (15 species, 0 fossil species)

Malagidris  (6 species, 0 fossil species)

Vitsika  (16 species, 0 fossil species)

Huberia  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Podomyrma  (62 species, 1 fossil species)

Liomyrmex  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Metapone  (31 species, 0 fossil species)

Kartidris  (6 species, 0 fossil species)

Mayriella  (9 species, 0 fossil species)

Tetheamyrma  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Dacatria  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Proatta  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Dilobocondyla  (22 species, 0 fossil species)

Secostruma  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Acanthomyrmex  (19 species, 0 fossil species)

Myrmecina  (106 species, 0 fossil species)

Perissomyrmex  (6 species, 0 fossil species)

Pristomyrmex  (61 species, 3 fossil species)

some Lordomyrma  (36 species, 0 fossil species)

Propodilobus  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Lasiomyrma  (4 species, 0 fossil species)

some Lordomyrma

Ancyridris  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

some Lordomyrma

Paratopula  (12 species, 0 fossil species)

Poecilomyrma  (2 species, 0 fossil species)

Romblonella  (10 species, 0 fossil species)

Rotastruma  (3 species, 0 fossil species)

Gauromyrmex  (3 species, 0 fossil species)

Vombisidris  (19 species, 0 fossil species)

Temnothorax  (509 species, 7 fossil species)

Harpagoxenus  (4 species, 0 fossil species)

Formicoxenus  (8 species, 0 fossil species)

Leptothorax  (20 species, 0 fossil species)

See Phylogeny of Myrmicinae for details.

Nomenclature

The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.

  • MYRMICA [Myrmicinae: Myrmicini]
    • Myrmica Latreille, 1804: 179. Type-species: Formica rubra, by subsequent designation of Latreille, 1810: 437; see also Yarrow, 1955b: 113.
    • Myrmica senior synonym of Dodecamyrmica: Francoeur, 1981: 759.
    • Myrmica senior synonym of Paramyrmica, Sifolinia (and its junior synonym Symbiomyrma), Sommimyrma: Bolton, 1988a: 3; Bolton, 2003: 221.
    • Myrmica senior synonym of †Nothomyrmica: Radchenko, Dlussky & Elmes, 2007: 1495.
  • DODECAMYRMICA [junior synonym of Myrmica]
    • Dodecamyrmica Arnol'di, 1968: 1803 [as subgenus of Myrmica]. Type-species: Myrmica arnoldii, by original designation.
    • Dodecamyrmica junior synonym of Myrmica: Francoeur, 1981: 759.
  • NOTHOMYRMICA [junior synonym of Myrmica]
    • Nothomyrmica Wheeler, W.M. 1915h: 60. Type-species: †Macromischa rudis, by original designation.
    • [†Nothomyrmica Wheeler, W.M. 1908g: 413, and Wheeler, W.M. 1910g: 167, nomina nuda.]
    • Nothomyrmica junior synonym of Myrmica: Radchenko, Dlussky & Elmes, 2007: 1495.
  • PARAMYRMICA [junior synonym of Myrmica]
    • Paramyrmica Cole, 1957a: 37. Type-species: Paramyrmica colax, by original designation.
    • Paramyrmica junior synonym of Myrmica: Bolton, 1988a: 3.
  • SIFOLINIA [junior synonym of Myrmica]
    • Sifolinia Emery, 1907: 49. Type-species: Sifolinia laurae, by monotypy.
    • Sifolinia senior synonym of Symbiomyrma: Samsinak, 1964: 156.
    • Sifolinia junior synonym of Myrmica: Bolton, 1988a: 3.
  • SOMMIMYRMA [junior synonym of Myrmica]
    • Sommimyrma Menozzi, 1925d: 25. Type-species: Sommimyrma symbiotica, by original designation.
    • Sommimyrma junior synonym of Myrmica: Bolton, 1988a: 3.
  • SYMBIOMYRMA [junior synonym of Myrmica]
    • Symbiomyrma Arnol'di, 1930c: 267. Type-species: Symbiomyrma karavajevi, by monotypy.
    • [Symbiomyrma also described as new by Arnol'di, 1933a: 41.]
    • Symbiomyrma junior synonym of Sifolinia: Samsinak, 1964: 156.
    • Symbiomyrma revived from synonymy: Seifert, 1994: 15; Seifert, 1996: 236.
    • Symbiomyrma junior synonym of Myrmica: Bolton, 1988a: 3; Bolton, 1995b: 47; Bolton, 2003: 222; Radchenko & Elmes, 2003: 219.

Unless otherwise noted the text for the remainder of this section is reported from the publication that includes the original description.

Description

Fossils=

Queen

Jessen (2020) - BL < 7 mm, colour light brown; antenna, and tarsi dark brown. Mandibles elongate to subtriangular, with 5–6 teeth. Apical and sub-apical teeth bigger than the others. Clypeus anterior margin smooth, tapered in the middle. Antennal sockets widely separated. Antenna 12-segmented with distinct 3–4 segmented club, scape widely bended at base. Segments 3 to 7 of funiculus not slender, rather short and wide. Frontal carina diverging to both sides. The dark ring around the eyes is interpreted as a stronger sclerotized circumocular sulcus, clearly visible in light brown specimens. Scutum and scutellum remarkably flat. Scutum does not overlap pronotum anteriorly or laterally. Scutums anterior margin appears slightly arched and stepped. Scutellum is not oval-shaped with tapered ends. Scutellums posterior margin is strongly curved backwards. Front legs with combed tibial spurs. Steeply descending propodeum, almost vertically. As these specimens are less sclerotized, propodeal spines may break off easily. Only in one specimen they are preserved. Petiole with very short peduncle and dorsally rounded petiolar node. Postpetiole nodiform, constriction towards gaster weak or absent. Suture between dorsal and ventral sclerites of postpetiole distinct, partly open posteriorly (this could also have been caused by taphonomic effects).

References