Course: Ants of the UK: Myrmica

Learn about ants of the genus Myrmica, a group of ants that can be tricky to identify and includes the Common Red Ant.

Myrmica is a genus of small to medium 'red' ants found across the Northern Hemisphere and common in the UK. Like most ants, Myrmica species are fascinating. Several Myrmica species form 'polygynous' colonies (containing multiple fertile queens); both Myrmica rubra (Common Red Ant) and Myrmica ruginodis colonies having an average of 15 queens and a thousand or more workers. Other UK Myrmica species are parastic; Myrmica hirsuta and Myrmica karavajevi live in the nests of other species as "guest" ants.

This entoLEARN webinar will explore the ant species within the genus Myrmica that occur in the UK. Ant specialist Gary Skinner will cover these species ecology, behaviour, distribution and identification.

At the end of the session, learners should have a deeper understanding of the UK Myrmica species of ant:

• Myrmica hirsuta
• Myrmica karavajevi
• Myrmica lobicornis
• Myrmica lonae
• Myrmica rubra (Common Red Ant)
• Myrmica ruginodis
• Myrmica sabuleti
• Myrmica scabrinodis (Elbowed Red Ant)
• Myrmica schencki
• Myrmica specioides (Elegant Red Ant)
• Myrmica sulcinodis
• Myrmica vandeli

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about the hidden diversity in our gardens and countryside. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable insects.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked, alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.