Scientific illustration of Myrmecia chasei ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Myrmecia chasei

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Myrmecia chasei
Tribe
Myrmeciini
Subfamily
Myrmeciinae
Author
Forel, 1894
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Myrmecia chasei is a large bulldog ant native to Western Australia, particularly the Darling Range around Perth. Workers are 12-15.5 mm long, while queens are 22-24 mm long . They have yellow mandibles, hairy tibiae, and belong to the pilosula species group . This species is known for its powerful sting, which can cause allergic reactions in humans . In the wild, they nest in soil under stones in sclerophyll forests . One notable aspect is the significant size difference between queens and workers, with queens being nearly twice as long .

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Western Australia, Australia, Darling Range including Perth area. They inhabit sclerophyll forest and woodland, nesting in soil under stones or in natural ground cavities [1].
  • Colony Type: Based on Myrmecia patterns, likely monogyne (single-queen colonies).
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: 22-24 mm [1]
    • Worker: 12-15.5 mm [1]
    • Colony: Up to several hundred workers
    • Growth: Moderate
    • Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks (Development time is typical for the Myrmecia genus.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep around 24-28°C with a gradient [1].
    • Humidity: Keep substrate slightly moist but allow it to dry between waterings [1].
    • Diapause: Yes, reduce temperature to 15-18°C for 2-3 months during winter [1].
    • Nesting: Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests work well [1].
  • Behavior: Myrmecia chasei is aggressive with a powerful sting [3]. Workers are territorial and will defend the nest. Escape prevention is important due to their climbing ability [1].
  • Common Issues: Sting risk is significant, these ants belong to the jumper ant group known for causing anaphylactic reactions [3]., Large size requires spacious outworlds and properly sized nest chambers to avoid stress., Slow colony development requires patience, founding colonies may take months to produce workers., Winter diapause is essential for long-term colony health., Wild-caught colonies may be difficult to establish after transport stress.

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmecia chasei requires appropriately sized housing due to their large worker size [1]. For founding colonies, a standard test tube setup works well, use a tube with a water reservoir at one end, stopped with cotton [1]. Once the colony reaches 15-20 workers, transfer to a proper formicarium. Y-tong nests are excellent for Myrmecia as they provide appropriate chamber depth [1]. The outworld should be spacious, and use a deep escape barrier like fluon [1].

Feeding and Diet

Myrmecia chasei is an opportunistic predator and scavenger. In captivity, they accept live insects like crickets and mealworms, along with sugar sources [1]. Feed protein-rich foods 2-3 times per week for growing colonies, and provide a constant sugar source [1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain nest temperatures between 24-28°C for optimal brood development [1]. During winter, reduce temperatures to 15-18°C to induce diapause [1]. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Behavior and Defense

Myrmecia chasei is aggressive with a powerful sting [3]. Workers are highly territorial and will defend the nest against intruders. This species is not suitable for handling, use tools for nest maintenance [1].

Colony Development

A newly mated queen may seal herself in a chamber, but founding behavior is unconfirmed. After workers emerge, the colony grows moderately. Be patient with founding colonies, as it may take months for workers to appear [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for first workers to appear?

Expect 8-12 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature, but this is estimated based on typical Myrmecia development. Founding colonies require patience.

Can I keep multiple queens together?

Based on Myrmecia patterns, colonies are likely monogyne, so multiple queens may fight. House founding queens separately.

Do Myrmecia chasei need hibernation?

Yes, a winter diapause period is recommended, reducing temperatures to 15-18°C for 2-3 months [1].

What do Myrmecia chasei eat?

They are predators and scavengers, accepting live insects and sugar sources [1].

Are Myrmecia chasei good for beginners?

Not recommended for beginners due to their aggressive temperament and powerful sting [3].

When should I move from test tube to formicarium?

Move when you see 15-20 workers and the test tube is crowded [1].

How big do Myrmecia chasei colonies get?

Mature colonies can reach up to several hundred workers.

What temperature do they need?

Keep the nest at 24-28°C with a gradient [1].

Where is Myrmecia chasei from?

Western Australia, specifically the Darling Range around Perth, nesting in soil under stones [1].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .