Only a few people realise that there are two species of Common Red Ants. Myrmica ruginodis looks a lot like Myrmica rubra, but there is one striking difference, the spines on Myrmica ruginodis are longer. They are about as long as the distance between the tips of the spines. In Myrmica rubra the spines are always shorter. The way of life is about the same in both species. The nest of Myrmica ruginodis however has one egg-producing queen only. This species has two nuptial flights. The first takes place in July, the second in the beginning of September. Usually there are nests with larger workers and nests entirely comprised of smaller workers. The larger workers are aggressive and a nuisance. The smaller workers are less active and less aggressive.
The areas where the two species live overlap. However in drier areas with higher temperatures Myrmica rubra is predominant. In cooler areas, like Northern Europe, or at higher altitudes Myrmica ruginodis is the common species. It is the main species of Myrmica in Scotland and the only one on Shetland.
This Northern Red Ant was found on a Yellow Saxifrage flower, at Gleann an Fhiodh, on 9th July 2012. Another flower nearby also had a single ant in it. Presumably they were feeding on the nectar, and possibly helping to pollinate the flowers in the process.
Photo by Carl Farmer
Camera : Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ150