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BULLDOG ANT FACTS |
Identification
The Bulldog Ant worker has dark reddish brown head, thorax and first part of abdomen.. The gaster (the bulbous part of the abdomen) is black with a metallic green or blue sheen. It has short yellow hairs on the head and thorax, with longer hairs on the abdomen. the head is as long as it is broad and mandibles are slightly shorter than the head. The mandibles have twelve or thirteen teeth with the third, fifth, seventh, and tenth teeth larger and broader than the others. The queen is similar to the worker, but larger with more robust build. Males are similar to workers but have black head and first part of thorax.
Size
Lengthy: worker 15mm - 21mm; queen 19mm - 23mm..
Food
The Bulldog Ant is a carnivore and also scavenges. They feed on invertebrates or other small animals that they sting with venom. They are one of the most venomous ants in the world.
Breeding
Like most ants, Bulldog Ants live in colonies. Nests may be under a rock or in the ground..
Range
found in south east Queensland, eastern New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and south eastern South Australia
Notes
Sting symptoms are local swelling, reddening and fever, with formation of a blister. Heart rate is elevated and blood pressure reduces, and in a small percentage of cases, the sting causes anaphylactic shock.
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Hymenoptera | | Family: | Formicidae | | Genus: | Myrmecia | | Species: | forficata | | Common Name: | Bulldog Ant |
Relatives in same Genus
Bulldog Ant (M. brevinoda)
Tasmanian Inchman (M. esuriens)
Red Bull Ant (M. gulosa)
Bulldog Ant (M. nigriceps)
Jack Jumper Ant (M. pilosula)
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