File:Iridomyrmex purpureus dealate queen, Brimbank Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Jordan Dean).jpg

Summary
Iridomyrmex purpureus dealate queen, just after her nuptual flight, constructing a nest founding chamber. Once complete, the queen will enter the chamber, seal the entrance, lay her first batch of eggs, and patiently tend to them until they hatch. She will not feed until her daughters emerge as adult workers and start foraging. Brimbank Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Photo by Jordan Dean.