Myrmica scabrinodis is a Euro-Siberian species of ant. It comes in a variety of forms that can be impossible to distinguish morphologically. As such, it has been suggested that the species is ongoing a major speciation event. Its colonies are monogynous or have only a few queens and may contain about 2500 workers. This ant species is the main host of the entomopathogenic fungus Rickia wasmannii. Phengaris caterpillars are primary threats of M. scabrinodis with specific species such as Phengaris arion developing a predatory relationship.
Distribution and habitat Myrmica scabrinodis is native to Europe and north-western Asia. It has also been introduced to North America, in coastal British Columbia and Washington (state), where it is considered an invasive species. It inhabits a wide variety of different environments, including dry grasslands, forests, bogs, and other wetlands. It builds nests in the ground, in grass or moss tussocks, under stones, and in rotten wood. In its introduced range, it is common in disturbed environments, including lawns and paved areas.
Subspecies Source: Myrmica scabrinodis scabrinodis Myrmica scabrinodis scabrinodosabuleti
References Csata E et al. (2013) Comprehensive survey of Romanian myrmecoparasitic fungi: new species, biology and distribution. North-Western Journal of Zoology 9 (1): no. 131101. Csősz S, Markó B, Gallé L 2011. The myrmecofauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Hungary: an updated checklist North-Western Journal of Zoology 7: 55–62. Czekes Z et al. 2012. The genus Myrmica Latreille, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Romania: distribution of species and key for their identification Entomologica romanica 17: 29–50. Radchenko A, Elmes G 2010. Myrmica ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Old World Natura optima dux Foundation.
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