Iridomyrmex bicknelli, commonly known as the black trail ant, is one of the most widespread and recognizable ant species in Australia. These ants are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from urban areas to natural habitats. Known for their timid disposition and non-aggressive nature, they are a beginner-friendly species, ideal for those interested in observing the social behaviors of ants.
Iridomyrmex bicknelli
Iridomyrmex bicknelli ants are highly adaptable and can be found in various environments across Australia, including urban areas, sandy coastal regions, and native habitats. They are often seen forming large, active trails as they forage for food. Despite their commonality, they are known for their timid nature, unlike many of their more aggressive Iridomyrmex relatives. These ants do not sting or spray formic acid and are not known to bite, making them less of a threat to humans and other animals.
In the wild, Iridomyrmex bicknelli colonies are often polygynous, meaning they can have multiple queens. This contributes to their ability to grow large colonies with very high worker numbers. However, in captivity, they are usually monogynous, with colonies averaging around 10,000 workers. The queens are fully claustral, meaning they do not require food during the initial founding of the colony, relying instead on their body’s fat reserves.
