Ants · Genus: Myrmica
European fire ant
BeginnerMyrmica rubra
Myrmica rubra is a common European myrmicine ant known for its reddish coloration and functional sting. Highly moisture-dependent, this species frequently forms strongly polygynous colonies that display aggressive foraging and robust recruitment. As long as adequate nest humidity is provided, it is a rewarding and hardy species even for beginners.
- Origin
- Central EuropeCentral Asia
- Activity time
- Variable
- Winter dormancy
- Yes
Colony traits
- Colony form
- Polygynous (multiple queens)
- Founding type
- Semi-claustral (with feeding)
- Polymorphism
- Monomorphic (no caste differences)
- Queen size
- 7-9 mm
- Worker size
- 4-6 mm
- Max. colony size
- 1000-10000
- Queen lifespan
- 10-15
- Worker lifespan
- 1-2
Husbandry conditions
- Nest type preference
- Variable
- Nest temperature
- 20-24 °C
- Arena temperature
- 18-25 °C
- Nest humidity
- 60-80 %
- Arena humidity
- 30-50 %
Nutrition
- Feeding notes
- Honey water, sugar water, feeder insects (e.g., fruit flies, mosquitoes, crickets, roaches, mealworms)