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Home Insects Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Iridomyrmex sp. (genus)

Ant at Cook, ACT

Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020
Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020
Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020
Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020
Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020
Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020
Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020
Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020
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Identification history

Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) 11 Feb 2020 JonLewis
Camponotus sp. (genus) 11 Feb 2020 CathB

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User's notes

Quite a few of these wandering around, but this one was digging a nest. The small hole on the left belongs to a Meranoplus which is shown in an accompanying sighting (4249724)

2 comments

JonLewis wrote:
   12 Feb 2020
Hi Cath, great photos. It's large size and general shape make it look quite like a Camponotus, but I'm pretty sure it's Iridomyrmex, probably Iridomyrmex purpureus - there were hundreds of them streaming out of nests yesterday afternoon at our place. Cheers, Jon
CathB wrote:
   12 Feb 2020
Thanks Jon. There were certainly plenty of meat ants around! I also saw several large ants, possibly the same thing, that were missing their gasters. I was wondering what might be preying on them.

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Nearby sightings

Page 1 of 3 - image sightings only 229 1 211

Cytaea severa (Severe Cytaea) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Thynninae (subfamily) (Smooth flower wasp) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Ottelia ovalifolia subsp. ovalifolia (Swamp Lily) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Agriopocoris sp. (genus) (Coreid bug) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Rayieria basifer (Braconid-mimic plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Elatine gratioloides (Waterwort) at Cook, ACT - 25 Mar 2022 by CathB Carabidae sp. (family) (A ground beetle) at Cook, ACT - 14 Feb 2022 by CathB Taeniogonalos sp. (genus) (A hyperparasitic wasp) at Cook, ACT - 18 Jan 2022 by CathB Phrissogonus laticostata (Apple looper moth) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jan 2022 by CathB Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jan 2022 by CathB Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jan 2022 by CathB Cyclosa fuliginata (species-group) (An orb weaving spider) at Cook, ACT - 2 Jan 2022 by CathB Arrade destituta (Arrade destituta) at Cook, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by CathB Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 16 Dec 2021 by CathB Ephemeroptera (order) (Unidentified Mayfly) at Cook, ACT - 23 Nov 2021 by CathB Melanterius sp. (genus) (Unidentified Melanterius weevil) at Cook, ACT - 23 Nov 2021 by CathB Tetragnatha sp. (genus) (Long-jawed spider) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB Macrobathra desmotoma ( A Cosmet moth) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB Austrolestes leda (Wandering Ringtail) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB Edusella sp. (genus) (A leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB Dictyotus conspicuus (A shield or stink bug) at Cook, ACT - 14 Oct 2021 by CathB Limnodynastes tasmaniensis (Spotted Grass Frog) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Philobota undescribed species near arabella (A concealer moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Scopula rubraria (Plantain Moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 27 Sep 2021 by drakes Anthoceros sp. at Cook, ACT - 16 Sep 2021 by CathB Plecoptera sp. (order) (Unidentified Stone fly) at Cook, ACT - 10 Sep 2021 by CathB Acacia pravissima (Wedge-leaved Wattle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Sep 2021 by drakes Acacia rubida (Red-leaved Wattle) at Cook, ACT - 16 Aug 2021 by drakes Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa) at Cook, ACT - 2 Aug 2021 by drakes Coprinellus etc. (An Inkcap) at Cook, ACT - 4 Jul 2021 by drakes zz agaric (stem; gills white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 4 Jul 2021 by drakes zz agaric (stem; gills white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 27 May 2021 by drakes Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) at Cook, ACT - 9 May 2021 by drakes Eucalyptus rubida subsp. rubida (Candlebark) at Cook, ACT - 3 May 2021 by drakes Gymnopilus junonius (Gymnopilus junonius) at Cook, ACT - 8 Apr 2021 by drakes Amanita sp. (Amanita sp.) at Cook, ACT - 1 Apr 2021 by drakes Crypsiphona ocultaria (Red-lined Looper Moth) at Cook, ACT - 16 Mar 2021 by Tammy Oenochroa and Artiastis (genera) at Cook, ACT - 9 Mar 2021 by CathB Camponotus nigroaeneus (Sugar ant) at Cook, ACT - 19 Feb 2021 by CathB Neotartessus flavipes (A leafhopper) at Cook, ACT - 13 Feb 2021 by CathB Opisthoncus sp. (genus) (Unidentified Opisthoncus jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 13 Feb 2021 by CathB Rhytidoponera aspera (Greenhead ant) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2021 by CathB Chalcidoidea sp. (superfamily) (A gall wasp or Chalcid wasp) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB Araneus circulissparsus (species group) (Speckled Orb-weaver) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB Camponotus suffusus (Golden-tailed sugar ant) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB Miridae sp. (family) (Unidentified plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB Conocephalus sp. (genus) (A Tussock Katydid) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB Cadmus (Cadmus) litigiosus (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB Psyllidae sp. (family) (Unidentified psyllid or lerp insect) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB Opisthoncus sexmaculatus (Six-marked jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB Megastigmus sp. (genus) (Parasitic wasp) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB Psyllidae sp. (family) (Unidentified psyllid or lerp insect) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB Deliochus pulcher (Beautiful Deliochus spider) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB Dichelachne crinita (Long-hair Plume Grass) at Cook, ACT - 31 Dec 2020 by CathB Tetragnatha demissa (Tetragnatha demissa) at Cook, ACT - 31 Dec 2020 by CathB Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. angustissimus (Australian Bindweed) at Cook, ACT - 13 Dec 2020 by drakes Heteronympha merope (Common Brown) at Cook, ACT - 13 Dec 2020 by drakes Hackelia suaveolens (Sweet Hounds Tongue) at Cook, ACT - 29 Nov 2020 by drakes Acaena echinata (Sheeps Burr) at Cook, ACT - 29 Nov 2020 by drakes Dissomorphia australiaria (Dissomorphia australiaria) at Cook, ACT - 27 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton Paropsisterna m-fuscum (Eucalyptus Leaf Beetle) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton Goniaea opomaloides (Mimetic Gumleaf Grasshopper) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton Dolophones sp. (genus) (Wrap-around spider) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton Dicranosterna immaculata (Acacia leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis (Common Brown Crane Fly) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton Coccidae sp. (family) (Unidentified coccid scale insect) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton Eriococcidae sp. (family) (Unidentified felted scale) at Cook, ACT - 21 Nov 2020 by CathB Holoplatys sp. (genus) (Unidentified Holoplatys jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 21 Nov 2020 by CathB Acanthonevroides jarvisi (A fruit fly) at Cook, ACT - 20 Nov 2020 by CathB Edusella puberula (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 18 Nov 2020 by CathB Edusella sp. (genus) (A leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 18 Nov 2020 by CathB Orobanche minor (Broomrape) at Cook, ACT - 15 Nov 2020 by drakes Eryngium ovinum (Blue Devil) at Cook, ACT - 14 Nov 2020 by drakes Pergagrapta sp. (genus) (A sawfly) at Cook, ACT - 5 Nov 2020 by CathB Camponotus suffusus (Golden-tailed sugar ant) at Cook, ACT - 1 Nov 2020 by MattFox Ceratopogonidae (family) (Biting Midge) at Cook, ACT - 28 Oct 2020 by CathB Inopus rubriceps (Sugarcane Soldier Fly) at Cook, ACT - 28 Oct 2020 by CathB Capusa (genus) (Wedge moth) at Cook, ACT - 20 Oct 2020 by CathB Miridae sp. (family) (Unidentified plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2020 by CathB Myosotis discolor (Forget-me-not) at Cook, ACT - 8 Oct 2020 by CathB Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 5 Oct 2020 by JasonC Carex breviculmis (Short-Stem Sedge) at Cook, ACT - 16 Sep 2020 by CathB Plantago gaudichaudii (Narrow plantain) at Cook, ACT - 15 Sep 2020 by CathB Mycetophilidae sp. (family) (A Fungus gnat) at Cook, ACT - 7 Sep 2020 by CathB Pleuridium sp. at Cook, ACT - 21 Jul 2020 by CathB Fissidens sp. at Cook, ACT - 18 Jul 2020 by CathB Pottiaceae (family) (A moss) at Cook, ACT - 18 Jul 2020 by CathB Coracina novaehollandiae (Black-faced Cuckooshrike) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jul 2020 by Tammy Polyporus arcularius at Cook, ACT - 5 Jul 2020 by drakes Entosthodon sp. at Cook, ACT - 22 Jun 2020 by CathB Spergularia rubra (Sandspurrey) at Cook, ACT - 10 Jun 2020 by CathB Fissidens sp. at Cook, ACT - 10 Jun 2020 by CathB Lasiopsylla sp. (genus) (Psyllid or Lerp insect) at Cook, ACT - 1 Jun 2020 by CathB Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) at Cook, ACT - 26 May 2020 by CathB Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) at Cook, ACT - 26 May 2020 by CathB Panicum capillare or P. hillmanii (An exotic invasive panic grass) at Cook, ACT - 26 May 2020 by CathB Plantago varia (Native Plaintain) at Cook, ACT - 21 May 2020 by CathB Acaena sp. (A Sheep's Burr) at Cook, ACT - 21 May 2020 by CathB
Cytaea severa (Severe Cytaea) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Thynninae (subfamily) (Smooth flower wasp) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Ottelia ovalifolia subsp. ovalifolia (Swamp Lily) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Agriopocoris sp. (genus) (Coreid bug) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Rayieria basifer (Braconid-mimic plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Elatine gratioloides (Waterwort) at Cook, ACT - 25 Mar 2022 by CathB
Carabidae sp. (family) (A ground beetle) at Cook, ACT - 14 Feb 2022 by CathB
Taeniogonalos sp. (genus) (A hyperparasitic wasp) at Cook, ACT - 18 Jan 2022 by CathB
Phrissogonus laticostata (Apple looper moth) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jan 2022 by CathB
Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jan 2022 by CathB
Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jan 2022 by CathB
Cyclosa fuliginata (species-group) (An orb weaving spider) at Cook, ACT - 2 Jan 2022 by CathB
Arrade destituta (Arrade destituta) at Cook, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by CathB
Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 16 Dec 2021 by CathB
Ephemeroptera (order) (Unidentified Mayfly) at Cook, ACT - 23 Nov 2021 by CathB
Melanterius sp. (genus) (Unidentified Melanterius weevil) at Cook, ACT - 23 Nov 2021 by CathB
Tetragnatha sp. (genus) (Long-jawed spider) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB
Macrobathra desmotoma ( A Cosmet moth) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB
Austrolestes leda (Wandering Ringtail) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB
Edusella sp. (genus) (A leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB
Dictyotus conspicuus (A shield or stink bug) at Cook, ACT - 14 Oct 2021 by CathB
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis (Spotted Grass Frog) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Philobota undescribed species near arabella (A concealer moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Scopula rubraria (Plantain Moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 27 Sep 2021 by drakes
Anthoceros sp. at Cook, ACT - 16 Sep 2021 by CathB
Plecoptera sp. (order) (Unidentified Stone fly) at Cook, ACT - 10 Sep 2021 by CathB
Acacia pravissima (Wedge-leaved Wattle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Sep 2021 by drakes
Acacia rubida (Red-leaved Wattle) at Cook, ACT - 16 Aug 2021 by drakes
Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Mimosa) at Cook, ACT - 2 Aug 2021 by drakes
Coprinellus etc. (An Inkcap) at Cook, ACT - 4 Jul 2021 by drakes
zz agaric (stem; gills white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 4 Jul 2021 by drakes
zz agaric (stem; gills white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 27 May 2021 by drakes
Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) at Cook, ACT - 9 May 2021 by drakes
Eucalyptus rubida subsp. rubida (Candlebark) at Cook, ACT - 3 May 2021 by drakes
Gymnopilus junonius (Gymnopilus junonius) at Cook, ACT - 8 Apr 2021 by drakes
Amanita sp. (Amanita sp.) at Cook, ACT - 1 Apr 2021 by drakes
Crypsiphona ocultaria (Red-lined Looper Moth) at Cook, ACT - 16 Mar 2021 by Tammy
Oenochroa and Artiastis (genera) at Cook, ACT - 9 Mar 2021 by CathB
Camponotus nigroaeneus (Sugar ant) at Cook, ACT - 19 Feb 2021 by CathB
Neotartessus flavipes (A leafhopper) at Cook, ACT - 13 Feb 2021 by CathB
Opisthoncus sp. (genus) (Unidentified Opisthoncus jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 13 Feb 2021 by CathB
Rhytidoponera aspera (Greenhead ant) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2021 by CathB
Chalcidoidea sp. (superfamily) (A gall wasp or Chalcid wasp) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB
Araneus circulissparsus (species group) (Speckled Orb-weaver) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB
Camponotus suffusus (Golden-tailed sugar ant) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB
Miridae sp. (family) (Unidentified plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB
Conocephalus sp. (genus) (A Tussock Katydid) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB
Cadmus (Cadmus) litigiosus (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB
Psyllidae sp. (family) (Unidentified psyllid or lerp insect) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB
Opisthoncus sexmaculatus (Six-marked jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB
Megastigmus sp. (genus) (Parasitic wasp) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB
Psyllidae sp. (family) (Unidentified psyllid or lerp insect) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB
Deliochus pulcher (Beautiful Deliochus spider) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB
Dichelachne crinita (Long-hair Plume Grass) at Cook, ACT - 31 Dec 2020 by CathB
Tetragnatha demissa (Tetragnatha demissa) at Cook, ACT - 31 Dec 2020 by CathB
Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. angustissimus (Australian Bindweed) at Cook, ACT - 13 Dec 2020 by drakes
Heteronympha merope (Common Brown) at Cook, ACT - 13 Dec 2020 by drakes
Hackelia suaveolens (Sweet Hounds Tongue) at Cook, ACT - 29 Nov 2020 by drakes
Acaena echinata (Sheeps Burr) at Cook, ACT - 29 Nov 2020 by drakes
Dissomorphia australiaria (Dissomorphia australiaria) at Cook, ACT - 27 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton
Paropsisterna m-fuscum (Eucalyptus Leaf Beetle) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton
Goniaea opomaloides (Mimetic Gumleaf Grasshopper) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton
Dolophones sp. (genus) (Wrap-around spider) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton
Dicranosterna immaculata (Acacia leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton
Leptotarsus (Macromastix) costalis (Common Brown Crane Fly) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton
Coccidae sp. (family) (Unidentified coccid scale insect) at Cook, ACT - 26 Nov 2020 by AlisonMilton
Eriococcidae sp. (family) (Unidentified felted scale) at Cook, ACT - 21 Nov 2020 by CathB
Holoplatys sp. (genus) (Unidentified Holoplatys jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 21 Nov 2020 by CathB
Acanthonevroides jarvisi (A fruit fly) at Cook, ACT - 20 Nov 2020 by CathB
Edusella puberula (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 18 Nov 2020 by CathB
Edusella sp. (genus) (A leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 18 Nov 2020 by CathB
Orobanche minor (Broomrape) at Cook, ACT - 15 Nov 2020 by drakes
Eryngium ovinum (Blue Devil) at Cook, ACT - 14 Nov 2020 by drakes
Pergagrapta sp. (genus) (A sawfly) at Cook, ACT - 5 Nov 2020 by CathB
Camponotus suffusus (Golden-tailed sugar ant) at Cook, ACT - 1 Nov 2020 by MattFox
Ceratopogonidae (family) (Biting Midge) at Cook, ACT - 28 Oct 2020 by CathB
Inopus rubriceps (Sugarcane Soldier Fly) at Cook, ACT - 28 Oct 2020 by CathB
Capusa (genus) (Wedge moth) at Cook, ACT - 20 Oct 2020 by CathB
Miridae sp. (family) (Unidentified plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2020 by CathB
Myosotis discolor (Forget-me-not) at Cook, ACT - 8 Oct 2020 by CathB
Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 5 Oct 2020 by JasonC
Carex breviculmis (Short-Stem Sedge) at Cook, ACT - 16 Sep 2020 by CathB
Plantago gaudichaudii (Narrow plantain) at Cook, ACT - 15 Sep 2020 by CathB
Mycetophilidae sp. (family) (A Fungus gnat) at Cook, ACT - 7 Sep 2020 by CathB
Pleuridium sp. at Cook, ACT - 21 Jul 2020 by CathB
Fissidens sp. at Cook, ACT - 18 Jul 2020 by CathB
Pottiaceae (family) (A moss) at Cook, ACT - 18 Jul 2020 by CathB
Coracina novaehollandiae (Black-faced Cuckooshrike) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jul 2020 by Tammy
Polyporus arcularius at Cook, ACT - 5 Jul 2020 by drakes
Entosthodon sp. at Cook, ACT - 22 Jun 2020 by CathB
Spergularia rubra (Sandspurrey) at Cook, ACT - 10 Jun 2020 by CathB
Fissidens sp. at Cook, ACT - 10 Jun 2020 by CathB
Lasiopsylla sp. (genus) (Psyllid or Lerp insect) at Cook, ACT - 1 Jun 2020 by CathB
Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) at Cook, ACT - 26 May 2020 by CathB
Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) at Cook, ACT - 26 May 2020 by CathB
Panicum capillare or P. hillmanii (An exotic invasive panic grass) at Cook, ACT - 26 May 2020 by CathB
Plantago varia (Native Plaintain) at Cook, ACT - 21 May 2020 by CathB
Acaena sp. (A Sheep's Burr) at Cook, ACT - 21 May 2020 by CathB

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Location information

Species information

  • Not Sensitive
  • Local Native
  • Non-Invasive

Sighting information

  • 4 - 15 Abundance
  • 10 Feb 2020 06:07 PM Recorded on
  • CathB Recorded by

Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size
  • Female Gender

Record quality

  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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