Workers are generally about 4–5 millimetres.
Fine-art photographic collection
Myrmica scabrinodis
A widespread European red ant supporting an entire community of nest guests.
About this species
Rugged red ant
Myrmica scabrinodisNylander, 1846
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Myrmica scabrinodis is a widespread European red ant of grassland, heath and wet open habitats. It is ecologically important as a predator, scavenger and host for highly specialised insects.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Myrmicinae · Myrmicini · Myrmica
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Europe and western EurasiaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Europe and temperate western Asia, including Britain.
Grassland, heath, bog margins, open woodland and disturbed ground.
Workers forage on the soil surface and low vegetation during suitable temperatures.
Small arthropods, carrion, honeydew and plant liquids.
Soil and moss nests that may contain one or several queens.
What makes this species remarkable?
The caterpillars of some large blue butterflies exploit Myrmica colonies.
Nest humidity and vegetation structure strongly influence local abundance.
Workers possess a functional sting despite their small size.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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