Small to medium workers, slender and fast moving.
Fine-art photographic collection
Iridomyrmex bicknelli
A fast Australian dolichoderine dominating warm open ground.
About this species
Bicknell's meat ant relative
Iridomyrmex bicknelliEmery, 1898
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Iridomyrmex bicknelli is an Australian ant of open and disturbed habitats. Fast workers recruit rapidly to food, defend foraging areas and exploit both honeydew and animal resources.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Dolichoderinae · Leptomyrmecini · Iridomyrmex
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
AustraliaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Australia, especially southern and eastern regions.
Open woodland, grassland, heath, gardens and disturbed ground.
Strongly diurnal in suitable weather, with rapid recruitment along chemical trails.
Honeydew, nectar-like liquids, carrion and small arthropods.
Ground-nesting colonies with numerous workers and conspicuous surface foraging.
What makes this species remarkable?
Dolichoderine ants lack a functional sting and rely heavily on chemical defence.
Workers can recruit very quickly to a newly discovered food source.
Open, sun-warmed ground often supports dense populations.