How to feed Myrmica rubra
Myrmica rubra is a red stinging ant common in damp gardens. It is a predator and needs plenty of protein. Its founding is semi-claustral: the queen must be fed from the start.
What does Myrmica rubra eat?
- Protein (main food): fruit flies, small crickets, flies, chopped worms. It readily hunts live prey.
- Sugar: sugar water or diluted honey, refreshed regularly.
- Founding: give the lone queen one small prey and one drop of sugar a week.
How much to feed
Guidelines for a colony with a moderate amount of brood, at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F):
| WORKERS | PROTEIN | SUGAR / 3–4 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Nanitics) | 1 prey item every 5 days | 1 drop |
| 50 (Small) | 5 prey items every 4 days | 2 drops |
| 150 (Growing) | 15 prey items every 3 days | 5 drops |
| 400 (Established) | 37 prey items every 3 days | 13 drops |
1 prey item = one insect the size of a fruit fly (2–3 mm). A medium cricket (1 cm) is worth about 50 prey items. 1 drop ≈ 0.05 mL.
These are starting points. If food is left after 24 h, give less; if everything disappears fast and the brood grows, give more. The calculator also adjusts for brood and temperature.
Hibernation
November to March, 5–10 °C.
Common mistakes
- Not feeding the founding queen: unlike Lasius, a Myrmica queen must eat.
- Giving mostly sugar: without protein the brood does not develop.
- Letting the nest dry out: Myrmica likes humidity.
FAQ
Should I feed a Myrmica rubra queen?
Yes: its founding is semi-claustral. One small prey and one drop of sugar a week is enough.
Does Myrmica rubra sting?
Yes, the sting is painful but harmless for most people.
How many queens does Myrmica rubra have?
Often several: it is a polygynous species.
Amounts and timings are average guidelines, not rules. Always adjust to what you see in your own colony (leftovers, appetite, brood).