Ant ID!!! WA, Australia. QUEEN OR NOT??????

[AntNoobster]

Is this a queen or not? I am nearly certain it's a green-headed ant.(Rhytidoponera metallica)
https://imgur.com/a/ZjO5rxl
Thnx

[AntNoobster]

If you need another picture feel free to ask!

[Hitch3]

It is a queen! It’s really weird to find one at this time of year, they only fly during spring. And do you want to know what’s weirder? I found one with wings today as well!

They are semi claustral, so feeding is required during the founding stage.

[AntNoobster]

weird!! are u sure its a queen because it is about the same size as a worker! u think its mated???

[PotatoDelight]

Its definitely an alate, at the least. May not have mated, because its still got its wings. I don't know anything about the species though.

[Hitch3]

Yes, it is a queen. Males of this species are easy to spot as they have really long antennae and have a tiny head with a super thin gaster. Queens and workers are almost identical, except for wing scars and a slightly different gaster shape. It may not have mated, but only time will tell.

I have two theories to how this queen is out”

1. It has been trying to found a colony since spring last year but has failed

2. It has been kicked out from its parent colony before winter hits.

[AntNoobster]

thanks so much! especially Hitch3! you helped me with my furnace ants as well

[Hitch3]

thanks so much! especially Hitch3! you helped me with my furnace ants as well

No problem!

Happy to help a fellow Aussie!