Myrmica are really hard to identify. I think the distribution of M. rubra is mostly restricted to coastal areas, although this would potentially include the Great Lakes and their associated waterways. We have lots of native Myrmica that look and behave a lot like M. rubra. I have three queens of what I only suspect are M. rubra (I would have to examine a dead worker to come close to making that ID). This species reproduces by budding in North America. The queens I have only seem to walk around in their foraging arena, maybe looking for Myrmica workers of the same species. My native-looking Myrmica, on the other hand, are settled into a tube and laying eggs already. I think a colony with that many queens would grow pretty huge.
If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.
Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.
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Black lives still matter.
