Myrmecia desertorum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myrmecia desertorum |
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Myrmeciinae
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M. desertorum
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| Myrmecia desertorum Wheeler, 1915
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Myrmecia desertorum is a fascinating type of ant found in Australia. It belongs to a group of ants called Myrmecia, which are often known as "bull ants" or "jack jumper ants" because of their powerful jaws and sometimes aggressive nature. These ants were first studied and described by a scientist named Wheeler in 1915. You can find them living all across Australia.
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Appearance of the Desert Bull Ant
Myrmecia desertorum ants are quite large. They typically grow to be about 18 to 26 millimeters long. That's almost an inch! Their bodies are usually a reddish-yellow color. However, their heads and the main part of their abdomen, called the gaster, are a darker blackish-brown. Their strong jaws, known as mandibles, and a part of their face called the clypeus, are a bright yellow.
Behavior and Lifestyle
Myrmecia desertorum ants are known for being very aggressive. They are also nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Their colors help them blend in perfectly with dry leaves on the ground. This makes them hard to spot!
Foraging Habits
These ants do not leave scent trails, called pheromone trails, to help other ants find food. Instead, each ant searches for food on its own. This is known as solitary foraging. They mainly eat insects they find.
Nests and Colonies
Myrmecia desertorum ants build permanent nests. These nests look like large, crater-shaped dips in the ground. They have several openings. If you poke one of these openings, many worker ants will rush out with their jaws wide open, ready to defend their home. These ants also have unusually large eyes, which likely help them see well in the dark.
Special Discoveries
Scientists have found something very interesting about these ants. They discovered an antibiotic substance in a special gland called the metapleural gland. This gland is found in many ants and helps them fight off germs.
