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.
Yup. Know them, have been bitten by them - and they do hurt. Rather a lot.
ReplyDeleteTheir place is a long, long way away from me.
Ooh! Nasty, and I am so glad you don't live near them now.
DeleteThe southern Adelaide parklands are filled with bull ants. The "wild" areas around Victoria Park racecourse and all along Greenhill Road is bull ant heaven. Millions of them.
ReplyDeleteI hate them. I know they must have a purpose on this earth, but I hate them anyway.
Grandddaughter Aimee is cursed with bull ants in Camillo. They come after the dog food and are a darned nuisance. We are lucky there seem to be none in Hamilton Hill (touch wood).
DeleteFascinating to learn of these ants. Thanks Mimsie!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad we don't have them in Western Australia.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteLike EC I have been on the receiving end of one of those nippers - nasty as a bee or wasp sting. As you say, though, each thing in its place... Hope your weekend is going well, too, Mimsie! YAM xx