Myrmica rubra – Red stinging ant

Myrmica rubra is an active and interesting European ant species that also occurs in the Netherlands and Belgium. The species is known for its reddish-brown color, mobile workers, and strong response to food. In the wild, Myrmica rubra lives primarily in damp grasslands, gardens, forest edges, and other relatively damp habitats.

Worker bees of Myrmica rubra are active hunters and foragers. They collect both small insects and sugary liquids. When a good food source is found, multiple workers can be recruited, quickly creating a lot of activity around the food.

A striking characteristic of Myrmica rubra is that colonies are often polygynous . This means that multiple queens can live and lay eggs within the same colony. As a result, colonies can develop well and also expand in the wild through splitting.

Myrmica rubra possesses a stinger and can sting if disturbed. For most people, the sting is only briefly painful, but it is wise to handle larger colonies with caution. Due to their active behavior, beautiful color, and interesting colony structure, this species is enjoyable for both novice and more experienced ant keepers.

Specifications

Scientific name: Myrmica rubra
Dutch name: Red stinging ant
Distribution area: Large parts of Europe and parts of Asia, including the Netherlands and Belgium
Ant color: Reddish-brown to dark reddish-brown
Difficulty level: 2 / 5
Queen size: approximately 6.5 – 7.5 mm
Worker size: approximately 4 – 6 mm
Soldier size: Not present
Temperature: approximately 18 – 25°C
Optimal temperature: approximately 20 – 23°C
Hilf-dormancy: Yes, approximately November through March at around 5 – 10°C
Growth rate: Average to fast in well-established colonies
Maximum queen age: several years; lifespan can vary greatly between colonies and conditions
Maximum worker age: on average less than approximately 2 years
Development into worker numbers: on average around 1,000 workers per nest, but colonies can vary from a few dozen to several thousand workers
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Foundation: New queens can start a colony independently; Expansion via nest splitting is also common.
Colony formation: Usually polygynous, where multiple queens can occur in a single nest.

Power supply

Myrmica rubra is an omnivorous ant species that requires both animal protein and sugar-rich food.

Diet: small insects such as fruit flies, redrunners, crickets, buffalo worms, mealworms, and small pieces of dubia cockroach.

Sugars: for example Byformica Sunburst Ant Nectar, Nectra sugar water, honey water, honeydew and other suitable nectar foods.

Protein-rich food is particularly important for the development of the larvae. For larger colonies, insect food can be offered regularly, with the quantity adjusted to the colony's food intake.

Fresh drinking water must always be available.

Care

Myrmica rubra prefers a slightly to moderately moist nest. Unlike many Mediterranean species, the nest of this species must not dry out completely for extended periods. A distinct moisture gradient is ideal, allowing the colony to choose where to place the brood.

The species does not need to be kept very warm. Normal room temperature is suitable for a large part of the active season. Excessively high temperatures for extended periods must be avoided.

From how many workers to a nest: approximately 30 – 50 workers

Recommended nest type: Ytong nest, gypsum nest, 3D nest, acrylic nest, or sand/loam nest with reliable moisture supply.

Myrmica rubra has a stinger and can use it if the colony is disturbed. Therefore, ensure a well-sealed arena and work carefully when feeding and maintaining the formicarium.

✅ Why choose Myrmica rubra

• Beautiful reddish-brown European ant species
• Also found in the Netherlands and Belgium
• Active hunting and foraging behavior
• Often multiple queens per colony
• Interesting and natural colony growth
• Clearly visible during feeding
• Suitable for relatively cool room temperatures
• Interesting for beginners and advanced ant keepers