Myrmica schencki

Myrmica schencki: The European Ant with a Unique Diet and Curious Parasites

Myrmica schencki is a captivating species of ant belonging to the genus Myrmica. These ants are found throughout Europe, from Great Britain and Sweden to Spain, Italy, and the Balkans. Their range extends further to the Caucasus, Turkey, West Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Tien-Shan and Altai Mountains, and even the area near Krasnoyarsk in East Siberia.

Myrmica schencki prefers dry habitats, thriving in both open fields and forests. Their nests are typically constructed in the ground, although they are occasionally found nestled in tussocks of grass or moss. The colonies are polygynous, meaning they can have multiple queens, and they can include up to 1,000 workers. Interestingly, recent research suggests that Myrmica schencki may consume pollen, a rare behavior among ants.

The narrative becomes even more intriguing when examining their relationship with certain butterflies. The larvae of Phengaris rebeli, a butterfly species, employ a cunning strategy. They produce chemicals that deceive the ants into mistaking them for ant larvae. Consequently, the ants incorporate these impostors into their nests. Once inside, the Phengaris rebeli larvae and pupae mimic the sounds of the ant queen, fooling the workers into feeding them preferentially over their own young. This deception is so convincing that the ant queen perceives the butterfly larvae and pupae as rivals.

Another butterfly species, Phengaris arion, also parasitizes Myrmica schencki but adopts a more aggressive tactic. Instead of relying on mimicry, Phengaris arion larvae are more predatory, a strategy that is generally less successful compared to the clever mimicry employed by Phengaris rebeli.