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The Essex Naturalist
Myrmica rubra (L.)
Distribution
This species of ant is very widespread and locally common with recent records
from nearly 130 localities in the county. Barrett (1979) also shows post 1961
records from TM03, TM13 (which may be Suffolk) and TQ79.
Habitat and Ecology
The species seems to prefer undisturbed grasslands with taller herbage and is
much less often found than M. ruginodis. Colonies normally have several to
many queens and up to 1000 or more workers nesting in the ground or under
stones (Collingwood, 1979).
Threats
Not threatened.
Myrmica ruginodis Nylander
National status Common County status Essex Common
Frequency Ratio 3.1 Tetrad Percentage 16.3%
Recorded 1km sq. percentage 40.5%
Distribution
Very widespread and common in a variety of habitats. There are recent records
for nearly 200 localities in the county.
Habitat and Ecology
In Essex this is usually the Myrmica species that is found near woods and
scrubland and in woodland rides. It is much more rarely taken away from scrub