Distribution of an Invasive Ant, Myrmica rubra (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in Maine

Abstract

Introduced populations of the north temperate ant species, Myrmica rubra (L.), have become pestiferous in various locations in the northeastern United States, particularly in coastal communities in Maine. Native populations of this ant are widely distributed throughout northern Europe and western Asia; however, nest densities in its native range do not usually reach the high levels observed for many introduced populations. This aggressive ant readily stings, and because of its high densities, homeowners continually encounter nests at a frequency that interferes with use of their properties. Surveys were conducted in Maine from 2001 through 2004 to determine the statewide extent of current infestations. Nests in established populations in coastal Maine were sampled from April through September to assess seasonal changes in the density and composition of colonies. Similarities and differences between introduced populations of M. rubra in Maine and published reports of this species in Europe are discussed. Museum records of this species in North America were also researched and are presented.

Chill coma temperatures appear similar along a latitudinal gradient, in contrast to divergent chill coma recovery times, in two widespread ant species

“…Ants might be a particularly interesting group in this respect, because they usually dwell in thermally buffered microhabitats, which lower the temperature variation that their inhabitants face in nature, both within populations and among them. Colonies of Myrmica ants use diverse nesting substrates (Groden et al, 2005) and may, if necessary, demonstrate daily thermoregulatory relocations within nest layers. This type of thermoregulation has a seasonal character, which allows easy collection of virtually entire colonies in spring, but not in later seasons (Brian, 1972).…”

Intercolony Aggression Within and Among Local Populations of the Invasive Ant, <I>Myrmica rubra</I> (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in Coastal Maine

“…Myrmica rubra, a Myrmicine ant of Holarctic origin and distribution (Elmes 1975, Collingwood 1979, has invaded numerous sites in the northeastern United States and Canada during the past several decades (Groden et al 2005). Although the full history of the antÕs introduction and spread is not known, M. rubra has been present in Boston since at least 1906 and in a number of Maine communities since the 1950s or earlier (Wheeler 1908, Groden et al 2005.…”

“…Although the full history of the antÕs introduction and spread is not known, M. rubra has been present in Boston since at least 1906 and in a number of Maine communities since the 1950s or earlier (Wheeler 1908, Groden et al 2005. Many sites of infestation in coastal Maine are characterized by an extremely high density of both nests and workers.…”

“…M. rubra nests in a variety of substrates, including excavated cavities in the soil, under and within rotting wood, at the base of trees and herbaceous vegetation, under stones, in moist hummocks, and in and among leaf litter and coarse woody debris. Populations have been shown to virtually saturate a habitat, reaching a mean density of 1.4 nests/m 2 in local populations (Groden et al 2005). Workers are highly aggressive toward intruders or prey (vertebrate and invertebrate alike), occurring in great numbers and readily and repeatedly deploying a painful sting at the slightest provocation (Garnas 2004).…”

The Ants of Nantucket: Unexpectedly High Biodiversity in an Anthropogenic Landscape

“…Island north to Nova Scotia (Groden et al 2005, Ellison et al 2012 in salt marshes, coastal woodlands, urban areas, and along river margins. There is certainly suitable habitat for M. rubra on Nantucket and it seems unlikely that it is too warm on Nantucket for M. rubra to persist.…”