Nothomyrmecia

These rare ants are strictly nocturnal and show a strong preference for cool or cold nights. They forage singly on trees and are only found on the ground for a short time as they leave and return to their nests. Nests are small, with less than 100 workers, and are in soil with a small, simple, cryptic entrance. Workers are predacious, taking only live prey, as well as tending Hemiptera for honeydew.



Worker of N. macrops from South Australia.

Identification
Workers of Nothomyrmecia are distinctive because of their pale yellow colour, large eyes, elongate mandibles, lack of a postpetiole and the presence of a sting. They are unlikely to be confused with any other Australian ant.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia