heidesteekmier
Myrmica sulcinodis
Myrmica sulcinodis is a small reddish-brown ant species with distinctive grooved nodes on its petiole, measuring approximately 4-5mm in length. This specialized ant plays a crucial ecological role as a host species for the endangered large blue butterfly larvae and helps maintain the delicate balance of grassland ecosystems through its complex social structure and foraging behavior.
30
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmica_sulcinodis
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hymenoptera
Family
Formicidae
Genus
Myrmica
heidesteekmier belongs to the family Formicidae, order Hymenoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Myrmica sulcinodis is a small reddish-brown ant species with distinctive grooved nodes on its petiole, measuring approximately 4-5mm in length. This specialized ant plays a crucial ecological role as a host species for the endangered large blue butterfly larvae and helps maintain the delicate balance of grassland ecosystems through its complex social structure and foraging behavior.
Myrmica sulcinodis faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized heathland and moorland ecosystems. Climate change and agricultural intensification have further reduced the availability of suitable nesting sites and altered the microclimatic conditions this species requires.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits short, species-rich calcareous grasslands and chalk downs that are maintained by light grazing, particularly favoring areas with wild thyme and other low-growing herbs. The ants construct their nests in well-drained soils with sparse vegetation cover, often on south-facing slopes with specific temperature and moisture requirements.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Myrmica sulcinodis faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized heathland and moorland ecosystems. Climate change and agricultural intensification have further reduced the availability of suitable nesting sites and altered the microclimatic conditions this species requires.
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Heathland degradation
Changes in land management practices
Climate change impacts
Found in 30 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). heidesteekmier (Myrmica sulcinodis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/heidesteekmier