Iridomyrmex
Ant genus · 79 species · 17 countries
- Genus
- Iridomyrmex
- Subfamily
- Dolichoderinae
- Tribe
- Leptomyrmecini
- Distribution
- Found in 17 countries
- Colony form
- polygynous, monogynous
- Nuptial flight
- Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Species count
- 79 species
About Iridomyrmex
Iridomyrmex is a genus within the family Formicidae , classified in the subfamily Dolichoderinae (tribe Leptomyrmecini) . AntScout currently documents 79 species in this genus, distributed across 17 countries , including Australia, China, Fiji, French Polynesia, Indonesia.
Species in this genus exhibit polygynous and monogynous colony structures. Monogynous colonies have a single reproductive queen, making them straightforward to start from a single founding queen - ideal for beginner ant keepers. Polygynous colonies can host multiple queens, allowing for rapid colony growth.
Nuptial flights of Iridomyrmex species have been recorded during: Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov. These flights are when new queens and males leave the nest to mate - the best time to find a founding queen in the wild.
Where Iridomyrmex Is Found
Species in this genus are documented in 17 countries:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species does Iridomyrmex have?
The genus Iridomyrmex includes 79 species documented on AntScout, spread across 17 countries. All documented species are extant (living).
Where do Iridomyrmex ants live?
Iridomyrmex species are found in 17 countries , including Australia, China, Fiji, French Polynesia, Indonesia. Distribution varies by species - check individual species pages for precise range maps.
When do Iridomyrmex ants have their nuptial flight?
Nuptial flights of Iridomyrmex species have been observed in Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov. This is the best time to find a founding queen in the wild. Use the AntScout flight calendar for species-specific predictions.
Can I buy Iridomyrmex ants?
Iridomyrmex ants may be available from ant dealers depending on your region. Some species are popular in the hobby and regularly sold as founding queens or small colonies. Check local antkeeping communities or specialty shops in your country.
Are Iridomyrmex ants good for beginners?
This depends on the specific species. Some Iridomyrmex species are beginner-friendly with straightforward care requirements, while others may need specific conditions. Browse the individual species profiles below for care difficulty and requirements.
All Iridomyrmex Species (79)
Click a species to view its full profile, including distribution map, care information, nuptial flight calendar, and identification photos.
- Iridomyrmex adstringatus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex agilis Agile Tyrant Ant 1 country polygynous
- Iridomyrmex alpinus 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex anceps Asian Tyrant Ant 13 countries polygynous
- Iridomyrmex anderseni 1 country
- Iridomyrmex angusticeps 3 countries
- Iridomyrmex anteroinclinus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex atypicus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex azureus 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex bicknelli Black Tyrant Ant 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex bigi 1 country
- Iridomyrmex brennani 1 country
- Iridomyrmex brunneus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex calvus 3 countries
- Iridomyrmex cappoinclinus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex cephaloinclinus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex chasei 1 country polygynous
- Iridomyrmex coeruleus 2 countries
- Iridomyrmex conifer 1 country polygynous
- Iridomyrmex continentis 1 country
- Iridomyrmex cuneiceps 1 country
- Iridomyrmex cupreus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex curvifrons 1 country
- Iridomyrmex cyaneus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex difficilis 1 country
- Iridomyrmex discors 1 country
- Iridomyrmex dromus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex elongatus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex exsanguis 2 countries
- Iridomyrmex fulgens 1 country
- Iridomyrmex galbanus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex gibbus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex gumnos 1 country
- Iridomyrmex hartmeyeri 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex hertogi 1 country
- Iridomyrmex hesperus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex infuscus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex innocens 1 country
- Iridomyrmex lividus Blue Meat Ant 1 country
- Iridomyrmex longisoma 1 country
- Iridomyrmex luteoclypeatus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex macrops 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex mattiroloi 1 country
- Iridomyrmex mayri 1 country
- Iridomyrmex meridianus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex minor 1 country
- Iridomyrmex mirabilis 1 country
- Iridomyrmex mjobergi 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex neocaledonica 1 country
- Iridomyrmex niger 1 country
- Iridomyrmex nudipes 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex obscurior 1 country
- Iridomyrmex obsidianus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex omalonotus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex pallidus 2 countries
- Iridomyrmex phillipensis 1 country
- Iridomyrmex prismatis 1 country
- Iridomyrmex purpureus Southern Meat Ant 1 country polygynous
- Iridomyrmex reburrus Bearded Meat Ant 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex roseatus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex rubriceps 1 country
- Iridomyrmex rufoinclinus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex rufoniger Tufted Tyrant Ant 1 country monogynous
- Iridomyrmex sanguineus Northern Meat Ant 1 country polygynous
- Iridomyrmex setoconus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex spadius 1 country
- Iridomyrmex splendens 1 country
- Iridomyrmex spodipilus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex spurcus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex suchieri Suchier's meat ant 2 countries polygynous
- Iridomyrmex suchieroides 1 country
- Iridomyrmex tenebrans 1 country
- Iridomyrmex tenuiceps 1 country
- Iridomyrmex trigonoceps 1 country
- Iridomyrmex turbineus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex victorianus 1 country
- Iridomyrmex viridiaeneus Centralian Meat Ant 1 country polygynous
- Iridomyrmex viridigaster 1 country
- Iridomyrmex xanthocoxa 1 country