17 replies to this topic

[Random_User_8]

HI All, 

New to ant keeping and today I noticed many ants completing their nuptial flights. I have caught some still mating with the male, and then removing their wings. Would like help ID'ing the species if possible.
 

1. Location of collection: Sydney NSW Australia, found all around on concrete. 

2. Date of collection: 8/5/2021

3. Habitat of collection: Suburbia

4. Length (from head to gaster): 8-10mm

5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: Black  with brown legs, some have gold looking band of hairs on back

6. Distinguishing characteristics: none

7. Distinguishing behavior: out during daytime

 

9. Nuptial flight time and date: 8/5/2021 1400-1600

Thanks!

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Edited by Random_User_8, May 7 2021 - 9:23 PM.

[ZTYguy]

Top one is Iridomyrmex. Possibly Iridomyrmex purpureus

Edited by ZTYguy, May 7 2021 - 9:29 PM.

[Random_User_8]

Top one is Iridomyrmex. Possibly Iridomyrmex purpureus

Thanks for the quick ID!

[ZTYguy]

These are iridomyrmex purpureus for reference.

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[Random_User_8]

These are iridomyrmex purpureus for reference.

Yeah, Perfect! I would say that's them. I've got about 30 of them in my driveway alone. 

[ZTYguy]

Wow. In a year if you keep em well fed you have some nice sized colonies. I would suggest selling any you don’t want or need.

[Random_User_8]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I've run out of test tubes now is the problem, and they look as though they fight each other if I put 2 in a container before putting in tubes. 

[ZTYguy]

Yeah you can get some for really cheap on Amazon. Also they don’t do well with more than one queen in a set up.

[CheetoLord02]

8-10mm seems too small for I. purpureus, those queens are typically around 13-15mm if I remember correctly. She is an Iridomyrmex species, but I'd be more inclined to assume she's I. bicknelli or a related species.

[ZTYguy]

I think purpureus are about 12 which seems pretty darn close but I do think the bickenelli is a better guess. Well you should put up a journal and once she has workers we can get a better ID.

[ANTS_KL]

1st pic is probably bicknelli like Cheeto said. The second pic I'm not too sure but maybe a notocus ( or is it notoncus? ). However I can't give an accurate ID and this is purely just a speculation

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[Random_User_8]

Here is a better picture i was able to capture, this Queen was about 10-12mm.

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[ANTS_KL]

It looks like bicknelli

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[Manitobant]

Bottom one is notoncus sp. There is a debate in the community as to whether they are fully or semi claustral, but both methods have worked for other keepers.

Edited by Manitobant, May 8 2021 - 7:48 AM.

[NickAnter]

Top one is an Iridomyrmex species. There are several similar species to bicknelli in AU, so I don't think you can be entirely sure. The second one, as Manitbant said, is a Notoncus species.

[Random_User_8]

They were all found in very close proximity to each other. Is it normal to find multiple species during the same day and area?

[Manitobant]

They were all found in very close proximity to each other. Is it normal to find multiple species during the same day and area?

yes, i have found like 5 different species flying in a single day before.

[ANTS_KL]

They were all found in very close proximity to each other. Is it normal to find multiple species during the same day and area?

Yes. After rains I get nylanderia, Pheidole, iridomyrmex, Camponotus, Tapinoma, paraparatrechina butteli malaccana and more

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