Myrmica

Latreille, 1804

Furrowed Ants

Species Guides

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Myrmica is a of ants in the Myrmicinae containing approximately 200 described . The genus is widespread across temperate regions of the Holarctic and occurs in high mountain of Southeast Asia. Myrmica species exhibit diverse colony structures, including both monogynous and polygynous forms. The genus is notable for its complex ecological relationships, including associations with parasitic butterflies, species, and various other organisms.

Myrmica rubra by no rights reserved, uploaded by Philipp Hoenle. Used under a CC0 license.Myrmica rubra by no rights reserved, uploaded by Philipp Hoenle. Used under a CC0 license.Myrmica by (c) Jake Nitta, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake Nitta. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myrmica: //ˈmɪr.mɪ.kə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Myrmica ants can be recognized by their characteristic mandibular gland secretions containing 3-octanol and related compounds, which are used in -specific chemical communication. possess 11-segmented with a distinct three-segmented club. The is distinguished from similar myrmicine genera by a combination of morphological features including the structure of the petiole and postpetiole, though species-level identification often requires examination of fine morphological characters and is considered challenging.

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Habitat

occupy diverse temperate including grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and high mountain environments. Myrmica sabuleti specifically requires short-grass swards on sunny slopes. Cold-tolerant species such as Myrmica ruginodis survive in environments close to former permafrost edges and persist at higher latitudes and elevations than .

Distribution

Widespread throughout the temperate regions of the Holarctic, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Distribution extends to high mountain regions of Southeast Asia. Specific distribution records include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the United States (Vermont), and across the Palaearctic from western Europe to Siberia and Turkey.

Host Associations

  • Maculinea arion (large blue butterfly) - Obligate association; caterpillars prey upon after being carried into nests by deceived by chemical secretions
  • Phengaris (Maculinea) butterflies - Larvae live inside Myrmica nests, fed by ants or preying upon
  • Myrmica hirsuta - that invades nests of other Myrmica species
  • Mermithidae (mermithid nematodes) - causes striking morphological malformations in ants
  • Blasticotoma filiceti (fern sawfly) - associateLarvae engage in with Myrmica ants, exchanging phloem fluids for protection

Life Cycle

Colonies exhibit either monogynous (single ) or polygynous (multiple queen) organization depending on . Queens are typically singly mated. In polygynous species, colonies recruit daughter queens as new reproductives, resulting in serial where resident queens are often not the mothers of current . Queen lifespan is relatively short compared to colony lifespan. Worker size influences -rearing capacity, with larger workers capable of rearing larger sexual larvae when queen-associated throughout their life.

Behavior

produce mandibular gland secretions containing -specific mixtures of compounds including 3-octanol, 3-octanone, and related ketones and alcohols. These secretions attract workers, increase linear movement speed, and reduce sinuosity of movement. Ants respond specifically to the R-enantiomer of 3-octanol; in Myrmica scabrinodis, the natural 9:1 mixture of R:S enantiomers is more active than pure R-enantiomer alone. Queens exert control over worker and can arrest formation in sex-competent larvae through bonding with workers at ; this control is species-specific and does not function across all Myrmica species.

Ecological Role

Serve as for multiple and commensals, including endangered butterflies and socially parasitic ants. Engage in trophobiotic relationships with phloem-feeding insects. Colony structure and genetic organization influence local and recolonization patterns following glacial retreat.

Human Relevance

Conservation of specific Myrmica , particularly Myrmica sabuleti, has been critical for the successful reintroduction of the extinct-in-UK large blue (Maculinea arion). The 1979 extinction of this butterfly in Britain was directly linked to changes affecting Myrmica , and subsequent recovery required active establishment of ant colonies alongside butterfly reintroduction.

More Details

Chemical Communication

Mandibular gland chemistry varies quantitatively among , with Myrmica rugulosa producing primarily 3-octanone and Myrmica schencki producing more 3-octanol. These differences likely contribute to species recognition and reproductive isolation.

Phylogeographic History

Comparative studies of Myrmica ruginodis and Myrmica rubra indicate both survived Pleistocene glaciations in multiple southern refugia, with M. ruginodis potentially persisting in more northerly refugia near permafrost edges due to greater cold . Post-glacial recolonization occurred from southwestern, southeastern, and eastern directions.

Social Parasitism

Myrmica manipulate colonies using to induce host to develop into while develops into sexuals, allowing exploitation of host resources without independent colony founding.

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Sources and further reading