Black Queen Ant - Victoria, Australia - Captured 29/10

[SenorSalsa]

Hey AntsCanada Forum,

I found this queen as a dealate in a rather unfortunate position at work about a week ago, I currently have her in a test-tube setup, however not knowing the species of ant, I'd hate to give her the incorrect care.

Location: South Victoria, Australia

Size: Roughly 9-12mm

Date: 29/10/2016

Photos:




From my amateur research, to me, she looks similar to be a Lasius Niger Queen, however sources are conflicting about whether or not these ants actually exist in Australia.

I can try to get better images if these are not adequate however I have disturbed her more than I'd like in the last few days and would rather leave her be. This is the first queen I've had and I welcome the opportunity to raise a colony any additional advice would be great.

Many Thanks, Salsa.

[Serafine]

From what I know Lasius niger doesn't exist in Australia, but who knows in these times. Also Lasius niger gasters are usually bigger at the stem and slightly curved making them look a bit like Cashews, but then I'm by no means an expert and Australian Lasius might look different anyway.

[Batspiderfish]

Australia doesn't have Lasius.

This is a formicine queen, possibly Camponotus? More photographs in better lighting would help.

[SenorSalsa]

Australia doesn't have Lasius.

This is a formicine queen, possibly Camponotus? More photographs in better lighting would help.

Thanks for your reply, I'll get some more photos later today.

[SenorSalsa]

I managed to get a few more close up photos, I was limited by the setup however as it does partially obscure the queen.

[SenorSalsa]

Thanks to all who replied, I recently met with another AC fan who was able to identify her as a meat ant queen (Iridomyrmex purpureus) which can be a fairly aggressive species, so any tips would appreciated.

[Batspiderfish]

She is not Iridomyrmex, because she has an acidepore, which places her in the Formicinae subfamily.

[SenorSalsa]

Perhaps you have a better trained eye than I, but I'm not able to make out an acidopore, particularly from the photos.

She does however bear similarities to a sugar ant queen, another common species in my area, a camponotus species.

[Canadiananter]

Camponotus sp