Species: Myrmica sp.
Collected: 16th August 2008
Ref: MYR01
I collected these red ants under a large stone on hilly moorland at the edge of Northumberland National Park. I only collected a portion of the colony, believing at first there to be no queen. I've since caught a glimpse of something in one of the underground tunnels that could in fact be a mated queen.
I'm yet to positively identify this colony, but is clearly a shy species of Myrmica. When handled they haven't delivered the trademark Myrmica sting. They've spent almost all of their time underground, with there rarely being more than one or two surface foragers at any one time. They weren't interested in a honey or sugar solution at first, but more recently, they have been observed briefly sampling honey water. They are still not taking live or dead insects, but can clearly handle themselves in battle, as when escapees from this colony come across lemani or flavus worker escapees, they tend to come out of a scrap the victor.
Update (24/09/08): Although I haven't spotted the queen again, over recent weeks there has been a drastic increase in the number of surface foragers in this colony. I haven't done a proper tally, but I would estimate there are typically 5 or 6 workers on the surface at any one time. They are now a lot more keen on honey water solution and the ants that find the solution are seen stridulating to attract the attention of other workers. Within minutes there can be 10 to 20 workers feeding. Lost of larvae are present in a chamber against the bottom wall of their container but they are still reluctant to take insect prey items.
Tags: Myrmica | Keeping Ants
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