Large workers, generally well over 10 millimetres long.
Fine-art photographic collection
Myrmecia forceps
A large-eyed Australian hunter carrying long forceps-like jaws.
About this species
Forceps bull ant
Myrmecia forcepsRoger, 1861
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Myrmecia forceps is an Australian bull ant with strong vision and elongated mandibles. Workers forage individually for live prey and sugary liquids and rely on both their jaws and sting when defending themselves.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Myrmeciinae · Myrmeciini · Myrmecia
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Southern AustraliaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Australia, principally southern and southeastern regions.
Woodland, heath, open forest and dry ground.
Visual solitary foraging, usually in daylight or twilight according to local temperature.
Live arthropods, nectar and plant exudates.
Ground-nesting colonies that are modest in size compared with mass-foraging ants.
What makes this species remarkable?
Large eyes provide effective visual orientation and prey detection.
The long mandibles inspired the name forceps.
Workers retain a powerful sting and can defend the nest individually.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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