Wasmannia

This genus has been represented in Australia by the Little Fire Ant or Electric Ant, W. auropunctata, a species which has become widely spread by commerce and is now a major pest in several areas of the tropics (for example the Galapagos Islands, New Caledonia, Borneo and parts of western Africa) as well as California and southern Florida, USA. However, the Australian infestation seems to have been eradicated and it is believed to be no longer present in Australia. Colonies have many queens and are found in soil and litter, dead wood, under bark, under trash, in houses ... anywhere actually. Nests can be huge in extent and carpet entire areas. The common name "Electric Ant" arose because workers of this species pack a sting out of all proportion to their small size.



Worker of W. auropunctata from Queensland.

Identification
Antennae 11-segmented (including the scape) and with a two segmented club. Antennal scrobe well developed on the upper surface of the head. Propodeum armed with long spines.

While superficially similar to some Tetramorium species, the configuration of the antenna combined with the longer propodeal spines will separate these genera.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution



Regional Species Lists

 * Single Australian species, Wasmannia auropunctata (apparently eradicated and no longer present in Australia).