Meranoplus

These common ants are ground nesting, with or without covering, sometimes with a mound of low dirt or a large depression around the entrance, and often with piles of discarded seeds or seed coats nearby. Workers are slow moving, foraging on the ground and occasionally on tree trunks, primarily during the day but also at night. When disturbed many species retract their legs and curl their gasters under themselves to form a compact ball, lying motionless to avoid detection. While most species are generalist scavengers some specialise on seeds. They are also attracted to tuna baits as well as honey baits on trees.



Worker of Meranoplus from Queensland.



Worker of Meranoplus from Queensland.



A Meranoplus worker returns to her cryptic nest with a food item to fee to the nest's larvae. The entrance was so small that this worker could not enter head-first and had to turn and reverse into the nest.

Identification
The antennae are 9 segmented (including the scape). The upper surface of the mesosoma forms a broad shield with thin, sharp lateral edges which project outwards over the sides of the mesosoma. The shield-like upper surface of the mesosoma will separate these ants from all others.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia