Please see AntWeb: Myrmica rubra for more images and assistance with identification. The AntWeb image comparison tool lets you compare images of ants at the subfamily, genus, species or specimen level. You may also specify which types of images you would like to compare: head, profile, dorsal, or label.
There are several native species of Myrmica in New England, and distinguishing them from M. rubra can be difficult (Landcare Research, 2006).
A light dose of carbon dioxide can be used as a safe method of anaesthesia of ants in laboratory studies (Wardlaw, 1995). Also please see Weir, 1957.
Principal source: Landcare Research. 2006. Myrmica rubra Information Sheet, Research, Invasive Ants.
Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Review:
Publication date: 2009-09-29
Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Myrmica rubra. Downloaded from http://iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/Myrmica+rubra on 02-11-2024.
Myrmica rubra is an aggressive ant species which has a painful sting. It has become a significant pest in many parts of its introduced range in Maine, USA. Nest densities can reach 4/m2, and there are impacts on people, pets, native ants, other invertebrates and reptiles (Landcare Research, 2006; Gammans et al. 2006). M. rubra appears to establish in sizeable colonies in its introduced range, in disturbed and natural areas around residences and commercial buildings. It aggressively defends its territory as well as dominating native species. (USDA-APHIS, 2003).
Chemical: Myrmica rubra can be controlled by tracking foragers back to the nest and eliminating the colony by direct treatment. Foragers of this sugar-loving ant quickly discover and recruit to vials baited with small pieces of surgical gauze dipped in 30–50% sucrose solution. Preliminary trials using low concentrations of boric acid (1% and less) in sucrose bait show promise for species control, and foragers will readily pick up baited formulations of both Extinguish®, a baited formulation of methoprene, and Amdro®, so strategies for Solenopsis invicta may be effective against this species (see Landcare Research, 2006). Research has shown that the use of pheromones may assist in attracting M. rubra to bait stations ( Gammans et al. 2006).
Stanley, 2004 provides comprehensive information about the range of baits available for ant control and eradication. Groden and Stack, 2003 provide information on managing M. rubra in Maine, as does USEPA, 2003.