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

Myrmecia croslandi

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Myrmecia croslandi
Tribe
Myrmeciini
Subfamily
Myrmeciinae
Author
Taylor, 1991
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Myrmecia croslandi is a medium-sized Australian bull ant from the pilosula species group. Workers measure approximately 12.5-13.5 mm in body length and have a robust build with a more massive petiolar node compared to related species. They are predominantly black with medium brown middle and hind tibiae. This species is common throughout southeastern Australia, including Canberra, NSW, and Victoria, often found in parks, gardens, and grassy bushland . M. croslandi is notable for its sophisticated visual navigation. These ants are strictly diurnal and perform learning walks before foraging, exploring compass directions around the nest to memorize landmarks . They have trichromatic color vision, with photoreceptors sensitive to UV, blue, and green light , and use path integration and landmark guidance to navigate from foraging trees up to 10 m away.

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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: Southeastern Australia (ACT, NSW, Victoria, SE Queensland). Found in open woodland with Acacia and Eucalyptus, common in parks, gardens, suburban lawns, and grassy bushland [1][4].
  • Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single-queen colonies) based on Myrmecia genus patterns.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable for queens, inferred from Myrmecia genus ~14-16 mm
    • Worker: ~12.5-13.5 mm [1]
    • Colony: Up to 200 workers [5]
    • Growth: Moderate
    • Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks based on genus patterns (Development time inferred from typical Myrmecia patterns at warm temperatures)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep nest area at 22-26°C. Workers forage between 20-30°C and avoid temperatures above 35°C by switching to bimodal activity [6]. Provide a temperature gradient.
    • Humidity: Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Native to open woodland areas that are not extremely wet.
    • Diapause: Yes, active from October to April, require cool winter rest at 10-15°C [6][5].
    • Nesting: Use soil/sand substrate or Y-tong/plaster nests. Prefer subterranean nests in sheltered locations [4].
  • Behavior: Strictly diurnal solitary foragers with no trail pheromone recruitment. Aggressive defenders with painful stings that can cause severe allergic reactions [7]. Excellent climbers, so escape prevention is critical. Feed on tree sap and live prey including insects [5].
  • Common Issues: painful sting, these ants will aggressively defend and their stings can cause anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals, handle with extreme caution., escape risk, excellent climbers that can scale smooth surfaces, use tight-fitting lids and barrier gel., temperature sensitivity, workers stop foraging above 35°C and below 10°C, avoid temperature extremes., winter dormancy, colonies become inactive during Austral winter, do not disturb during this period., slow colony growth, colonies reach up to 200 workers, patience required over many years.

Nest Preferences and Housing

Myrmecia croslandi naturally nests in soil in open woodland habitats. They often create polydomous or monodomous subterranean nests [4]. For captive care, use a deep soil/sand mixture (at least 5-10 cm) or a Y-tong/plaster nest with secure lids to prevent escape. Provide a water tube for humidity and ensure the nest area stays moderately humid while the outworld can be drier.

Feeding and Diet

Workers are solitary foragers that feed on tree sap and hunt live prey including aphids, spiders, crickets, moths, and flies [5]. For captive colonies, offer sugar water or honey for energy and protein-rich prey like small crickets or fruit flies 2-3 times per week. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Workers begin foraging when surface temperatures reach around 20°C and are most active between 25-30°C [6]. When temperatures exceed 35°C, they switch to bimodal morning and evening activity [6]. Keep the nest at 22-26°C with a gradient. During winter (May-August), maintain cool temperatures at 10-15°C for diapause and do not disturb the colony.

Behavior and Navigation

M. croslandi is a visually sophisticated ant. Workers perform 2-7 learning walks over several days before foraging, exploring arcs around the nest to memorize landmarks [2]. They have trichromatic color vision with photoreceptors sensitive to UV, blue, and green light [3]. Navigation uses path integration and landmark guidance. Workers are aggressive and will sting, with venom that can cause severe allergic reactions [7].

Unique Chromosome Biology

This species has the fewest chromosomes of any known animal, with some colonies having just 2 chromosomes (2n=2) [1][8]. Chromosome numbers can vary (2n=2,3,or 4) due to complex polymorphisms [1]. This makes it valuable for studying chromosome evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Myrmecia croslandi in a test tube?

Test tubes are not ideal long-term. Use them temporarily for founding or transport, but established colonies do better in naturalistic or Y-tong formicariums with deeper chambers.

How long does it take for first workers to appear?

Estimated 8-12 weeks from egg to worker at warm temperatures (around 24-26°C), based on genus patterns.

Are Myrmecia croslandi good for beginners?

No, this species is not recommended for beginners due to specific temperature needs, painful stings, and required winter dormancy. It is better suited for experienced antkeepers.

Do Myrmecia croslandi need hibernation?

Yes, they require a winter rest period from May to August at 10-15°C, matching their natural cycle [6][5].

How big do Myrmecia croslandi colonies get?

Colonies reach up to 200 workers in natural conditions [5]. Growth is moderate, taking several years to reach full size.

Can I keep multiple queens together?

No, this species is likely monogyne based on genus patterns. Multiple queens would likely fight.

What do Myrmecia croslandi eat?

They eat tree sap and live prey such as insects. Offer sugar water and protein sources like crickets or fruit flies [5].

When do foragers become active?

Workers are strictly diurnal, leaving the nest in two bouts: about one hour after sunrise and around 4 pm [9]. On hot days, they switch to morning and evening activity [6].

Why do my ants do 'learning walks'?

Learning walks are normal and essential. Young workers perform 2-7 walks over several days to memorize visual landmarks before foraging [2]. This helps them navigate back from foraging areas.

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .