CLASS: Insecta; ORDER: Hymenoptera; FAMILY: Formicidae; GENUS: Myrmecia;
SPECIES gulosa
The RED BULL ANT (also known as the Giant Bull Ant) is one of the largest species of ants in the world. They have a venomous sting that is capable of causing severe pain for a day or two. Red bull ants have yellowish mandibles, a reddish-brown head, thorax and front part of the abdomen. The rear half of the gaster (the bulbous part at the rear of the abdomen) is black. The head is slightly broader than it is long and the mandibles are long and fairly straight with twelve teeth (the third, fifth, seventh and ninth teeth are longer and sharper than the others). The queen is similar to the workers but larger and more robust.
The red bull ant is carnivorous and feeds on invertebrates including other species of ant, and prey larger than themselves such as bees.
Red bull ants build underground nests with extensive networks of tunnels and the nest entrance concealed by dirt and plant debris. The entrance is often guarded by two or three ants.
These ants are found in south-east Queensland and eastern New South Wales.
Oh, perhaps not a good choice for a Sunday but I guess every creature has its place and this chap decided to pop in today. Hope your weekend has been going well for you.
