Myrmeciinae

These large, conspicuous ants are only found in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia they are most abundant and diverse in the southern regions and rare in the tropics.

The subfamily contains two genera (with three additional genera known only from fossils): Myrmecia with its 89 described species and subspecies are limited to Australia and New Caledonia while Nothomyrmecia with a single species is restricted to mallee of southern Australia. Species of Myrmecia are often abundant and can be found in a range of habitats including parks and gardens while Nothomyrmecia are rarely encountered although it appears that they are more common and widespread than the known material would suggest. This is largely because of their inconspicuous nests and cryptic foraging behaviour.

Identification
This subfamily contains two highly distinctive genera, Myrmecia and Nothomyrmecia. Myrmecia have long, straight mandibles, large eyes and often bright colours. Nothomyrmecia can be recognised by their pale yellow colour, large eyes, elongate mandibles, lack of a postpetiole and the presence of a sting. These genera are unlikely to be confused with any other Australian ant.

Regional Key
Australian Myrmeciinae Genera

Genus richness
Genus richness by country based on regional taxon lists (countries with darker colours are more species-rich).



Species richness
Species richness by country based on regional taxon lists (countries with darker colours are more species-rich).



Nomenclature
MYRMECIINAE [subfamily of Formicidae]
 * Myrmeciidae Emery, 1877a: 71 [as "group" of Myrmicidae]. Type-genus: Myrmecia.
 * Myrmecii: Forel, 1893a: 162 [as tribe of Ponerinae].
 * Myrmeciinae: Ashmead, 1905b: 382 [as subfamily of Poneridae].
 * Myrmeciinae: Clark, 1951: 17 (in key) [as subfamily of Formicidae].