Tetraponera punctulata

(“A tree ant”)

Description

These ants are strictly tree-dwellers and mostly forage there, although they may scavenge around the base of the trees they live on. They have big eyes and good eyesight, and they will often run around the other side of the tree if approached. In addition to scavenging, they may also tend scale insects. They have a sharp sting, but not a highly dangerous one. Figured is a specimen seen at Hann River, photo courtesy of Alex Wild, http://www.myrmecos.net/ants/