Myrmica lobicornis

Myrmica lobicornis tend to be more robust, rugose and darker reddish brown than other commonly encountered Myrmica. Head and gaster characteristically darker than the thorax, with an upright tooth-like process at the bend of the antennal scape. Adult workers are typically 4 to 5 mm total in length.  

Can be confused with a number of other Myrmica species.

Upright tooth-like process at the bend of the antennal scape. / Frons about 1/3 head width. / Petiole high with anterior and dorsal surfaces meeting at a right angle. / Postpetiole broadly oval from above.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

M. lobicornis tends to occur in fairly undisturbed natural and semi-natural habitats such as upland moor, lowland heath, rough grassland and open woodland. The highest population densities are found more commonly in upland and mountainous areas. Nests are commonly in the ground or under stones, with no obvious above surface structure. Colonies are relatively small with a few hundred to a few thousand individuals.

Mating flights typically occur in late summer. Adult workers can be seen from early spring through to autumn.

Workers of M. lobicornis usually forage individually in a relatively slow and hesitant manner compared with other Myrmica. They forage mainly on the ground rather than in vegetation and are rarely found tending Homoptera for their honeydew. Most of their food appears to be scavenged invertebrate material although little is known about the feeding habits of this species.

A shortage of recent records is probably a result of low recording effort, particularly in upland northern England and Scotland where it is expected to be more plentiful than indicated.

Rare or rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland It is thought that under-recording is likely to be a factor. Last VC55 record was in 2000.

http://www.bwars.com/ant/formicidae/myrmicinae/myrmica-lobicornis