Notostigma

Species of Notostigma are among the largest ants found in Australia. They can be quite common where they occur, but because they forage singly and almost exclusively at night they are often overlooked. Nests are in soil, either with a moderately large mound of soil around the entrance (in the case of N. foreli) or under stones or wood (in the case of N. carazzii). Foraging activity is apparently limited to the ground surface. They occur in rainforests or, less commonly, in wet or dry sclerophyll forests.



Worker of N. foreli from New South Wales.

Identification
The antennal sockets are separated from the rear margin of the clypeus by a gap greater than the smallest diameter of the scape. The mandibles have more than 10 teeth. The simple eyes (ocelli) are present on the top of the head. They are large ants, over 10mm in total length, with elongate bodies and long antennal scapes.

Species of Notostigma can be separated from other formicines by their large body size, long scapes, numerous mandibular teeth and the presence of a small opening above the hind legs (the metapleural gland opening). They are most commonly confused with larger species of Camponotus, but they differ as mentioned above.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia