Myrmica cf. rubra

Name: Myrmica cf. rubra
Origin: Germany
Queen: approx. 7 – 9 mm
Workers: approx. 4 – 6 mm
Diet: Carbohydrates (e.g., honey, sugar water), proteins
Humidity:
• Arena: 40 – 60%
• Nest: 60 – 80%
Temperature:
• Arena: 20 – 24 °C
• Nest: 22 – 26 °C
Hibernation: Yes
Nest type: Plaster, Ytong, or sand-loam nests are well-suited
Colony size: approx. 500 – 2,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:
Myrmica cf. rubra is very adaptable, robust, and exhibits interesting social behavior. It lives in humid habitats (forests, meadows) and is a great species for beginners interested in native species. It appears less hectic than smaller Tetramorium species.

Disadvantages:
The colonies remain relatively small in comparison, which may seem less impressive to some keepers. Additionally, they are sensitive to high heat and dryness. Humid conditions must be maintained consistently during keeping.

Keeping

Myrmica cf. rubra is quite easy to care for but requires constant humidity and moderate temperatures. For founding, a test tube nest with a mini arena (10×10 cm) is sufficient. Later, a well-ventilated nest made of plaster, Ytong, or sand-loam, as well as an arena of at least 20×20 cm, is recommended.

The species is diurnal, particularly active in spring and autumn, and easy to observe at moderate temperatures.

Feeding

This species is undemanding but interested – proteins in the form of small insects (e.g., ant pupae, flies, springtails) should be offered every 3–4 days.

Hibernation

Myrmica cf. rubra requires classic hibernation of about 4 – 5 months.
During the period from November to March, you should keep the colony at approx. 3 – 6 °C.