Iridomyrmex sp.

(a small meat ant)

Description

The genus Iridomyrmex is found almost everywhere in Australia, and most small black ants one finds with dense trails outdoors belongs to this genus. They are scavengers, predators, and tend aphids and scale insects. They are quite aggressive and determined, as shown by this specimen seeking to take home pieces of a photographer. These ants lack stings, smearing defensive secretions on enemies. Figured is a specimen seen in the McIlwraith Range, photo courtesy of Alex Wild, http://www.myrmecos.net/ants/