Founding type: Semi-claustral
Size: Large, workers and queen around 2.5cm
Diet: Founding queen requires sugars. Larvae require protein
Set-up: Myrmecia do not like to be locked in a test tube. Recommend founding your colony in a tub and tube or similar set up.
These beautiful Australian bull ants can be difficult to locate as the queens do not possess wings or fly like many other species.
They have a very unique habit of displaying their large mandibles wide when threatened. They are distinguishable by their long straight mandibles and shiny black gastor.
There are two distinct colour morphs of this species- a red colour and a black colour. Please indicate in a message at checkout your colour preference, which we will endeavour to fulfil. If the colour is not available, the best queen of either colour will be sent.
Myrmecia species are some of the largest and most interesting ants to keep. They require some experience as they possess strong pinching mandibles and a painful sting, much like that of a wasp.
They can be very aggressive and have very good eye sight, able to track you from across the room. Colonies can be slow to develop so patience is required, with the queens sometimes laying eggs in a 6-12 month cycle. However, once established, colony numbers can exceed 1000 so you can get a very large and very rewarding colony with these ants.
Unavailable to ship to WA, Tas and USA