Myrmica brevinodis

Nuptial Flight Calendar

Flight months: Jul, Aug, Sep

Myrmica brevinodis is a stout, reddish-brown ant that epitomizes the hardy myrmicine fauna of northern North America, where its range stretches from the boreal tree line south to the northern United States and from coast to coast. Queens measure a robust 6 to 8 mm, while the monomorphic workers, all belonging to a single minor caste, range from 4 to 5.5 mm. Colonies are founded claustrally by a single queen and can burgeon to impressive sizes of up to 5,000 workers, making them one of the more populous temperate Myrmica. In the wild they nest under stones, in rotting logs, or directly in soil, often foraging boldly across the forest floor. What sets this species apart for the enthusiast is its pugnacious yet methodical foraging behavior, its willingness to sting in defense, and the fascinating diurnal rhythms it displays in response to temperature and light—traits that reward close observation. Taxonomically it resides in a complex that was revised by Francoeur (2007) and later contextualized within the global genus by Radchenko & Elmes (2010), adding a layer of scientific intrigue for the keeper drawn to systematics.

This is an intermediate-level species, best suited to hobbyists who have already mastered one or two easier temperate ants and are comfortable managing the nuances of a required hibernation cycle. While Myrmica brevinodis is not inherently fragile, its escape artistry—workers are small and can exploit minuscule gaps—and its mandating of a cool winter rest disqualify it from a beginner’s first project. The colony’s moderate size lends itself well to a dedicated keeper who enjoys watching a bustling society without the logistical demands of a massive formicarium. For those with some experience and a reliable chilling setup, it offers a deeply rewarding window into the annual rhythms of northern ants, and its activity levels during the growing season are consistently high.

Housing must replicate the cool, moist microclimates of its native woodland habitats. A temperature band of 18 to 24°C is ideal, with a gentle drop at night that mimics forest conditions. Humidity should be maintained between 50% and 70%, and the nest environment should never dry out completely, as workers desiccate easily. A plaster, ytong, or grout formicarium with a built-in moisture gradient works splendidly, allowing the ants to choose their preferred humidity zone. Many keepers include a thin layer of a sand-and-loam mix in the foraging arena to give workers a naturalistic grip, although the larvae do not spin cocoons—pupae are naked—so nesting material is not required for development. The formicarium must be fitted with a tight-fitting lid or a PTFE barrier, and all ventilation holes should be covered with fine stainless-steel mesh, as these slim ants can flatten themselves through surprisingly narrow cracks.

Myrmica brevinodis is a generalist forager with a strong appetite for protein. Feed them a mix of freshly killed or live insect prey such as fruit flies, small crickets, and mealworms, ensuring any live food is incapacitated to prevent injury to the ants. They will also scavenge, so offering tiny pieces of cooked chicken or egg is a welcome supplement during brood-rearing peaks. Carbohydrates should be provided as a dilute sugar water or honey solution, and colonies tend to be enthusiastic drinkers. A small water tube or a moist cotton ball in the foraging area guarantees constant access to clean drinking water. Feed small colonies twice a week, adjusting frequency and quantity as the population grows; remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold in the humid setup. Notably, they are not granivorous, so seeds are superfluous and will just spoil.

Hibernation is non-negotiable for the long-term health of this species. From late October to early March, colonies must be kept at a steady 4°C, a temperature that reliably halts brood development without risking cold injury. Gradually lower the ambient temperature over two weeks, and once dormant, maintain them in a refrigerator, wine chiller, or a consistently cold basement. The nest should remain slightly moist but never wet; a small sugar-water feeder can be left in for the first few weeks, but most colonies will retreat into the nest and cease foraging. Check monthly for mold or excessive condensation. A successful diapause of three to four months is the single most critical factor in triggering egg-laying from the queen after warming, and skipping it almost always leads to colony decline. Come March, reverse the cooling process slowly, and you will witness a flush of new brood and heightened activity.

When a new colony arrives, the first days are all about gentle acclimation. Place the shipping tube or container in the prepared formicarium, open it, and allow the queen and her workers to explore the nest at their own pace, preferably in dim light. Cover the setup with a dark cloth for the first 24 hours to reduce stress. Resist the urge to feed immediately; instead, after a day, offer a micro-drop of sugar water on a small piece of wax paper and a single pre-killed fruit fly. Watch for signs of relocation into the nest chamber: a steady trail of workers carrying brood is the best reassurance. In these early hours, check all seals meticulously, because stressed Myrmica are notorious escape artists. If possible, situate the formicarium in a quiet, vibration-free spot. Within a week, the colony should settle into a predictable routine, rewarding your careful patience with the industrious, season-driven drama that only a temperate ant can deliver.