HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Aculeata > Formicidae > Myrmicinae > Myrmicini

A small reddish-pink or yellowish-brown species with slightly paler legs and antennae and, quite often in certain light, with a distinct difference in shade between the first segment of the gaster from those behind. Workers have a body length of 4-5mm and have antennal scapes that are long and slender with a gentle curve at the base. The area between the spines on the propodeum is smooth and shining and the spines are noticeably shorter than in other Myrmica species. The petiole has a short indistinct dorsal area that slopes evenly down to join with the postpetiole. The gently curving scapes together with the short propodeal spines and the smooth outline of the petiole are characteristic distinguishing features of the species. Queens are similar to workers, but a little larger.

Myrmica ruba is a common and widespread species across most of England and Wales, but not nearly so much in Scotland where it has scattered and local distribution. They nest in the ground, or under stones and logs in a wide variety of well vegetated, sunny and warm, and often damp habitats, such as meadows, woodland edges and along river banks, but also in gardens.

Workers feed on honeydew from aphids and will drink nectar from flowers. They are very active and aggressive and will readily sting if provoked or disturbed.

My only photographs to date are of a lone worker that coincidently I spotted on the wall of the house at the same time as I was updating this section of the website, which was rather timely.