Of the twelve British species of Myrmica, this is one of the less widely distributed and least well known in terms of its biology and ecology. Morphologically, M. sulcinodis is typical of the genus in possessing a two-segmented 'waist', pectinate spurs on all tibiae, well developed propodeal spines and a sting in the females. The shape of the antennal scape provides a good character for separation from other British Myrmica. Females of M. sulcinodis are also characterised by a deep red and black coloration and pronounced rugose sculpturing of the cuticle… Read more

This is the commonest species of this widespread genus to be found in Britain; some other tramp species may occur sporadically. The workers are small (2.5-4 mm) and dark brown or black with a robust morphology typical of myrmecine ants. All castes have a two-segmented 'waist' and pectinate spurs on all tibiae, along with propodeal spines and a sting in the females. Despite its size, T. caespitum is an aggressive ant and uses its sting freely; it is often the dominant ant species where abundant. There is a marked dimorphism between the castes with males and gynes being much larger… Read more

Identification keys and general biology are given in Richards (1980), Gauld and Bolton (1988) and Yeo & Corbet (1995).

Previously known as H. integrum (Dahlbom, 1854). Identification keys and general biology are given in Morgan (1984), Gauld and Bolton (1988), Kunz (1994) and Linsenmaier (1997).