1. Location (on a map) of collection: Wellington Point, Qld. https://goo.gl/maps/XfCiBW7ZVViH3U3K7
2. Date of collection: 14/04/2019
3. Habitat of collection: Suburban, 1/2 acre mixed vegetation (20% trees, 40% groundcover, 40% grass)
4. Length (from head to gaster): Worker ants 3.6mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: black with reddish highlights towards ends of legs and antennae.
6. Distinguishing characteristics: Mostly shiny except antennae tips which look like a lot of fine reddish hairs, 12 antennae segments with dark bands at joins, one petiole node from what i can see, larger singular hairs on abdomen, abdomen has slightly 'wrinkled' surface.
7. Distinguishing behavior: Scavengers. Once food source is found, numbers increase exponentially until 'food' is covered. Seem to have preference for proteins over sugars (empty Pizzas boxes make them go nuts). Almost seems the tastier the food is to them, the more frantic and energized they become. The trail can lead for 20 or more meters to get to the food. Tight line. Rear abdomen typically raised (on return journey with food?)
8. Nest description: Unknown. May be several. Must be a very large, old colony in the garden bed on the fence line. Opportunistic with nesting behaviour- under boxes, in between tin and insulation on wall of shed. They are sensitive to vibrations and breath and will scatter before even being touched. Typically move at a rate of approximately 1.5m per minute.
9. Nuptial flight time and date: Unknown
Images here https://www.flickr.c...irishman/1U62t7
Edited by ImAMadIrishMan, April 17 2019 - 12:01 AM.
