Myrmica schenki
| Latin Name: |  |
Myrmica schenki |
| Trivialname: |  |
European Fireant |
| Taxonomy: |  |
Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribe: Myrmicini |
| Keeping Level: |  |
(1) easy to keep , they have a potent sting like a stinging - neetle |
| Distribiution: |  |
Southnorway to North Spain, Caukasus |
| Habitate: |  |
prefers open xerotherm areas with low vegetation |
| Colonyform: |  |
polygyn |
| Queen: |  |
Size: 5 - 6mm Colour: crimson (dark red) |
| Worker: |  |
Size: 3,5 - 5mm Colour: crimson (dark red) till brownorange, Gaster shiny |
| Soldier: |  |
not present |
| Males: |  |
Size: 4 - 4,5mm Colour: black , slim |
| Nutrion: |  |
Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos |
| Airhumidity: |  |
Arena: 30 - 50% Nestpart: 50 - 70% |
| Temperature: |  |
Arena: 18 - 28°C Nestpart: 21 - 24°C |
| Hibernation: |  |
yes, from end of October until end of March at 5 - 8°C |
| Nestform: |  |
Nests in soil, in rotten wood and under stones |
| Kind of Formicaria: |  |
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/Plaster, Digfix |
| Formicaria size: |  |
Size: S - M |
| Substrate: |  |
Farm: Sand-Loam Arena: Sand, Sand-loam, mould, wood |
| Planting: |  |
similar to Forestareas with moss, grass and other plants |
| Decoration: |  |
Branches, Roots, Treeneedels |
| Description: |  |
The colony is tough, well-fortified that, active and a bit aggressive, low maintanance ants. They can prick you, when they felt under pressure (similary like stinging-nettle). They are often confused with other Myrmica species but have Nest with a woven Entrance. Is an important host for the Butterfly Maculinea rebeli. |
| Development: |  |
matingflight: july to august founding: semiclaustral (queen collects food) from Egg to adult worker approx. 6 Weeks (depending on temperature). colonysize: max. 1000 indivudals |
| Quantity: |  |
one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development) |
| Weblinks: |  |
- Forum - Reference |