Wrinkled ant

Systematic position: Myrmica scabrinodis, commonly known as the wrinkled ant, belongs to the order Hymenoptera and the family Formicidae. It is a common ant species widespread across Europe and Asia, often residing in damp soils, meadows, and agricultural land, where it forms small to medium-sized colonies.

Affected crops: While these ants do not feed directly on plant tissues in a way that causes immediate death, they represent a significant threat to a wide range of horticultural crops, including fruit trees, soft fruits, and ornamental plants. Their presence is almost always indicative of a larger secondary pest infestation within the garden.

Biology and life cycle: The lifecycle follows the typical ant progression of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The colony relies on one or more queens to sustain reproduction. Workers are highly active in searching for protein and carbohydrates, showing a strong preference for habitats that provide protection and moisture, such as cultivated garden beds.

Damage and economic impact: The primary economic impact of Myrmica scabrinodis is its mutualistic relationship with aphids and scale insects. By actively farming these pests for their honeydew, the ants protect them from natural predators like ladybugs. This results in unchecked aphid populations that weaken plants, cause leaf curling, and transmit viral pathogens, severely reducing crop yield and quality.

Protection measures: Effective management of the wrinkled ant requires a multifaceted strategy focused on habitat modification and direct control:

• Consistent soil cultivation and weeding to disrupt established ant nests.
• Application of physical barriers, such as sticky tree bands, to protect fruit tree canopies.
• Deployment of bait stations using targeted contact insecticides to manage colony numbers.
• Aggressive control of aphid populations to remove the main food source that attracts the ants.