Myrmica Ruginodis are a very interesting species and relatively easy to keep.  They are always very active from observations.  They are found all over Britain even as far north as the Shetland Islands.  Myrmica Ruginodis is commonly known, and simply known as The Red Ant.  Often confused with Yellow Meadow Ants which a lot of people tend to call Red Ants.  This species is a Polygyn ant which means a colony can have as many as twenty queens.

Nests are usually built in soil, under stones, corrugated iron and paving stones etc.  A nest is usually anywhere up to 3000 strong.  When collecting this ant, care must be taken because, speaking from experience, their sting is quite painful.  Their nests consist of a number of large chambers which house the eggs, and from observations, these eggs are usually split into the relevant size groups, egg, larvae and pupae.

These ants are nearly always active, and are always expanding the nest, or hunting for food.

Myrmica Ruginodis largely feed on other insects, mine have eaten flies, spiders, crickets and meal worms.  I would personally recommend feeding them freshly dead food.  I have purchased dried flies to feed them, and they were not touched.  They will also eat honey-water quite readily, and also fruit like banana they enjoy.  For water, I spray the walls and ornaments of the foraging area, and this is sufficient.

Their ideal temperature in the UK is just standard room temperature, 20 degrees C is fine, they will, and should be allowed to hibernate during the winter months.