Myrmica sabuleti

Myrmica sabuleti is a more specialist red ant than Myrmica rubra or Myrmica scabrinodis. In the wild it is associated with warm, sun-exposed habitats, including short grassland and sandy or calcareous sites. In captivity that makes it interesting, but it also means a keeper should be more deliberate about warmth, feeding, and avoiding constant disturbance.

Keeping notes

Founding is semi-claustral. Offer a small sugar drop and a tiny insect portion every few days, then remove anything uneaten. The queen needs access to food, but she does not need a messy outworld.

Once workers arrive, provide a warm side and a cooler side, with moderate humidity rather than a constantly wet nest. Colonies stay smaller and more measured than large Lasius, so they suit a keeper who enjoys close observation over rapid growth.

Watch for

• Better for a keeper with at least one successful founding attempt behind them.
• Mild sting and fast movement when disturbed.
• Warmth helps, but unregulated heat is still dangerous; use a thermostat.