Aphaenogaster barbara

Image of Aphaenogaster barbara

(Funnel Ant)

SUBFAMILY

Myrmicinae

Species

Aphaenogaster barbara

Common name

Funnel Ant

Main colour

Reddish-brown

Size

Worker about 5-7 mm long

Locality

Townsville area

Description

This ant has not been recorded on campus but is included because of the distinctive nests which are formed when there is a colony in sandy/alluvial soil. Here the individual entrances may be 2-4 cm diameter with a depth to 30 cm. A colony usually has a number of entrances. In firm soil the entrances are much smaller. These ants tend aphids on plant roots and also appear to feed on small arthropods.

Additional image

Image of Aphaenogaster nest entrance