Myrmica sabuleti
| Myrmica sabuleti | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Genus: | Myrmica |
| Species: | M. sabuleti |
| Binomial name | |
| Myrmica sabuleti Meinert, 1861[1] | |
Myrmica sabuleti is a species of ant in the genus Myrmica. The species is indigenous to Europe and most colonies are polygynous.[2] The Phengaris arion caterpillars parasitically prey on the species as it hatchess on thyme buds and then tricks the ants into believing it is one of their own larvae, ants then carry it to their nest where it feeds on the ant grubs for 10 months before pupating and emerging as a butterfly.[3]
See also
- Zodarion rubidum, a spider that mimics and feeds on Myrmica sabuleti
References
- ↑ "Bidrag de danske Myrers Naturhistorie". Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskabs Skrifter 5: 275–340. 1861.
- ↑ "Myrmica sabuleti". Retrieved 16 June 2009.
- ↑ Alleyne, Richard (16 June 2009). "Large Blue butterfly flutters back from extinction, thanks to a tiny ant". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 16 June 2009.
External links
Media related to Myrmica sabuleti at Wikimedia Commons