Myrmecia nigriceps

Myrmecia nigricepsClassification
Subfamily: Myrmeciinae
Family: Formicidae
Order: Hymenoptera
Common name: Giant Bull Ant

These are large Bullants, with the smallest morph measuring around 13 mm, i.e., larger than the Jackjumper M. pilosula. In the summer months, these ants begin foraging early in the evening. They feed on a variety of insects, spiders and also on the sap of gum trees. They are polymorphic, with atleast 4 distinct morphs. I witnessed a sort of a partial nuptial flight, wherein only winged males flew out of the nest, but unfortunately never got to see the alate female. Nests, as in several species of Myrmecia, are terrestrial and have multiple entrances.

Identification key (from Australian Ants Online):

1. Apical segment of gaster blackish; anterior face of petiolar node more or less inclined posteriorly.
2. Mandibular shaft narrow at the extreme base, broadened over the basal 1/4 to 1/5 of its length.
3. Clypeus yellowish, concolorous with mandibles.
4. Hairs on head and mesosoma thin and sparse, those on sides near posterior corners of head not extending beyond outer margins of eyes.
5. Scape with numerous erect or suberect hairs.
   

A forager of Myrmecia nigriceps begins to clean up the nest at the onset of foraging in early evening.

This is the male of Myrmecia nigriceps: notice the reduced scape, raised pronotum, massive eyes and ocelli.

More pictures of Males of this species are here

Collected:
ANU campus, Canberra, ACT, Australia (2006, 2007).
Mt Majura, Canberra ACT, Australia (2007).

External Links:
Myrmecia nigriceps