Myrmica rubra question

[KimNorway]

I got questions on what I think is 'common' M. rubra, dwarf queen variety. How do you recognize so small queens? I tried capturing winged alates earlier, and only got males. Is Camponotus better for beginners than the small Myrmica ants?

[ClashOwenBash]

I got questions on what I think is 'common' M. rubra, dwarf queen variety. How do you recognize so small queens? I tried capturing winged alates earlier, and only got males. Is Camponotus better for beginners than the small Myrmica ants?

If you can get a Camponotus queen that would be preferred as founding a Myrmica Rubra colony can prove difficult as they are semi-claustral (requires an outworld for foraging immediately) and prefer to found a colony starting off with multiple queens.

[KimNorway]

Thanks.
I see it mentioned around the web the simplest way to get Myrmica rubra is to capture one of the semi-claustral queens under a rock or something in sunny days. I will see what I can get. The only other type of ant i actually know of in my area is Formica rufa, a social parasite.

[ClashOwenBash]

Thanks.
I see it mentioned around the web the simplest way to get Myrmica rubra is to capture one of the semi-claustral queens under a rock or something in sunny days. I will see what I can get. The only other type of ant i actually know of in my area is Formica rufa, a social parasite.

It depends where you are as it is known that Formica rufa queens can found a colony without needing to be parasitic but only in certain areas. (Plus if Formica Rufa are around, you'll probably find some Formica Fusca nearby.)