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Bull Ant (Jack Jumper?)

Myrmecia sp (pilosula?)

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Field Notes

Description:

large black ant with reddish legs hauling a dead insect that might be a damselfly type? Actually a crane fly! Thanks, Scott.

Habitat:

On a sign in the town of Derby, Tasmania.

Notes:

I am not sure exactly what happened at the beginning which is shown in photo 2 where a small ant is holding onto the tail of the insect being carried and then in photo 3 that ant leaves the prey and goes away. Was he helping at first or was he trying to get the prey for himself?

Reference Links:

Jack jumper ant

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (8)
KathleenMcEachern
Thanks Scott and stho002! I will be happy with Myrmecia sp even though it sure looks like the Jack Jumper, Myrmecia pilosula! I don't know what details to look for other than those clearly visible and a photo of the head was impossible with is carrying that crane fly. It was a great way to keep myself occupied while my husband was in the museum!
Scott Frazier
I don't know...all black body, orange lower legs, antennae and mouthparts...at least the coloration of a jack jumper (Myrmecia pilosula) but I can't really tell about the head shape. Anyway it's just a possibility. They do occur in Tasmania.
HemaShah
what an appropriate name! As strong a s a bull.
HemaShah
great series! The ant seems pretty strong!

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Photographed
PublishedMay 31, 2014

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