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Australia is home to a diverse range of ant species, with over 1,300 native species, two-thirds of the world's subfamilies, one-third of known genera, and 15% of all described species. The country's ant fauna is large and continues to grow, with new species being discovered and introduced. Ants are a common sight in Australia, and while most are not considered pests, a handful of species are frequently encountered in households and commercial buildings. These include black house ants, fire ants, sugar ants, green ants, bull ants, and meat ants, each with unique characteristics, behaviours, and nesting habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of species | Over 1,300 |
| Diversity | Large and diverse |
| Number of subfamilies | 12 |
| Number of genera | 103 |
| Number of taxa | 1,275 |
| Common species | Black house ants, fire ants, bull ants, green ants, sugar ants, meat ants, Argentine ants, ghost ants, odorous house ants |
| Common nesting locations | Outdoors: trees, trunks, soil, logs, rocks, bushes, plants, foundations, attics, wall cavities, wall voids, garden areas; Indoors: kitchens, pantries, bins, food storage areas |
| Behaviour | Foraging, nesting, stinging, biting, spraying acid, infesting, communicating through touch and smell |
| Size | 1.5mm-40mm |
| Colour | Black, brown, red, green, translucent |
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What You'll Learn
Fire ants are found in most capital cities in Australia
Fire ants are an invasive species that pose a serious threat to Australia's economy, environment, human health, and outdoor way of life. Native to South America, fire ants have spread to various parts of the world, including Australia, where they were first detected in Brisbane, Queensland, in February 2001.
While fire ants have been found in multiple locations across Australia, it is important to clarify that their presence is typically localized to specific infested sites or biosecurity zones. As of 2024, there have been seven separate incursions of fire ants in Australia, with six of them occurring in Queensland and one in New South Wales (NSW). The Queensland government has been actively battling the ant infestation for years, and the number of attacks on livestock and people has surged recently due to weather conditions that have facilitated the ants' spread.
The state of Queensland has been particularly affected by fire ants, with incursions in suburban Brisbane, the Port of Brisbane (twice), Yarwun (Central Queensland), Brisbane Airport, and Gladstone. In NSW, fire ants have been detected in Port Botany (twice), Wardell, South Murwillumbah, and near the NSW border. Additionally, there have been efforts to contain and suppress fire ants in biosecurity zones across parts of South East Queensland to prevent further spread.
The potential impact of fire ants in Australia is severe. They are highly aggressive and pose a significant threat to human health due to their venomous stings, which can cause pustules, allergic reactions, and even fatalities. Fire ants also attack and kill livestock, endangering farm animals, and newborn animals are especially vulnerable. Furthermore, fire ants can invade food and water supplies, deterring animals from feeding and drinking, leading to starvation and dehydration.
The economic cost of fire ant infestations is estimated to be high. In southeast Queensland alone, the presence of fire ants is projected to cost the state $45 billion Australian dollars due to impacts on agriculture, machinery, and infrastructure. Eradication efforts are crucial, and ongoing work has helped maintain a lower average annual spread of fire ants in Australia compared to other countries.
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Black house ants are a common household pest
Australia is home to a large and diverse ant fauna, with over 1,300 species of native ants. However, only a handful of these are considered pests. Black house ants are one such pest species. These tiny black or dark brown insects are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, where they contaminate food and water supplies with bacteria. They are attracted to easily accessible food, which they locate using odour detectors. During the peak mating season from June to August, black house ant colonies can contain up to 10,000 workers, leading to massive infestations that can be extremely concerning for homeowners.
Black house ants are excellent at building nests almost anywhere, including in homes. They often nest in cracks in the foundation, near stone pathways, and underneath houses. They also nest in decayed wood and other wooden structures, which can weaken the structural integrity of buildings. To prevent infestations, it is important to seal gaps in siding, windows, and doors, as well as to remove decaying wood, firewood, and other debris from the property.
While black house ants are a common household pest in Australia, they are also found in other parts of the world, including North America. In the United States, they are known as odorous house ants due to the rotten smell they emit when squashed or crushed. In Australia, they are simply called black house ants or little black ants, and they can be effectively controlled by pest management professionals.
In addition to black house ants, there are several other ant species in Australia that are considered pests. These include bull ants, which are one of the most aggressive species, and green ants, which are characterised by their combination of black and green colours. Sugar ants and fire ants are also mentioned as pests, with fire ants being the subject of a National Fire Ant Eradication Program due to their highly adaptive nature. Overall, while Australia has a diverse range of ant species, black house ants are a particularly common and troublesome household pest.
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Australia has two-thirds of the world's ant subfamilies
Australia is home to a diverse range of ants, with a variety of species and subfamilies found across the country. As of 1999, Australia was reported to have 10 ant subfamilies, which has since increased to around 12. This accounts for about two-thirds of the world's ant subfamilies, making Australia an important region for studying and understanding ant diversity and evolution.
The state of Queensland in Australia boasts the greatest diversity of ants worldwide, with over 1,400 species known within its borders. The total number of ant species in Australia could exceed 6,500, with only one in five ants being described so far. This highlights the vastness of Australia's ant population and the need for further research and classification.
The subfamily Myrmicinae is the largest in Australia in terms of both the number of genera and species. It is also one of the most commonly encountered subfamilies, along with Formicinae. The Myrmeciinae subfamily is unique to Australia, with the exception of a single species native to New Caledonia. This subfamily includes the Myrmecia genus, commonly known as Bull ants, which are known for their aggressive behaviour and powerful sting.
Other notable ant subfamilies in Australia include Dolichoderinae, Dorylinae, Ectatomminae, Heteroponerinae, Leptanillinae, Ponerinae, Proceratiinae, and Pseudomyrmecinae. These subfamilies contribute to the rich diversity of ants in Australia, with each subfamily having its own unique characteristics, behaviours, and ecological roles.
While most native ant species in Australia are not considered pests, there are introduced species, such as the Red Imported Fire Ant, that pose a serious threat to the native invertebrate fauna. Eradication programs have been implemented to contain these incursions, highlighting the importance of preserving Australia's unique ant biodiversity.
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Bull ants are one of the most aggressive species
Australia has a large and diverse ant fauna, with over 1,300 species of native ants. However, only a handful of these are commonly encountered. One of the most well-known and feared is the bull ant, which is considered one of the most aggressive species.
Bull ants are endemic to Australia, with almost 100 different species found across the mainland and in Tasmania. They are easily identified by their long, lean bodies, big eyes, and powerful mandibles. They are often referred to as wingless wasps. Bull ants are highly protective of their nests and will swarm and sting any perceived threats. Their stings can be extremely painful and may cause a dangerous allergic reaction in some individuals.
Bull ants typically nest outdoors in soil, logs, rocks, and bushes, and their colonies can support up to 3,000 individuals. The colonies are organised according to strict social structures, with a fertile queen whose sole role is to lay eggs, and infertile female workers who maintain the colony. Seasonally, winged male and female bull ants are produced to start new colonies.
The aggressive nature of bull ants, combined with their ability to sting repeatedly and their excellent eyesight, makes them a significant threat to humans, especially when camping or walking in bushland. If you encounter a bull ant nest, it is best to avoid disturbing them to prevent being swarmed and stung.
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Green ants are identified by their colour and odour
Australia is home to a large variety of ants, with over 1,300 different species of native ants. One of the most distinctive species is the green-head ant, which is identified by its colour and odour.
The colour of green-head ants varies from green-blue to green-purple, with some regional variation. For example, in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia and Alice Springs, the ants are a dark purple colour, while in the northern regions of New South Wales and Queensland, the alitrunk is reddish-violet, shading into golden. The predominant colour is green, but it can also be purple, blue, or a combination of these colours. The queens of the species measure around 7.4 mm in length, with the head, thorax, and abdomen exhibiting various metallic colours. The head is usually green behind the eyes and rust-coloured at the front, with a less obvious purple tint between these colours. The antennae are also rust-coloured, and the eyes are ovate in shape.
The green-head ant also has a distinctive odour, which can be used to identify the species. This odour is produced by a combination of body surface chemicals, known as cuticular hydrocarbons or CHCs, which form a unique "colony odour" that other members of the colony can recognize.
Green-head ants are one of the most abundant and widespread insects in Australia, living in urban areas, forests, and woodlands. They are able to colonize disturbed areas quickly and are common in urban settings. They are also one of the first insects to forage after bushfires, sometimes appearing as soon as the embers have stopped smouldering.
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Frequently asked questions
Ants are found all across Australia, with over 1,300 native species known to exist in the country. They are commonly found in Australian households and commercial buildings.
Some of the most common types of ants found in Australia include black house ants, fire ants, sugar ants, bull ants, and green ants.
If you find ants in your house, you should first identify the type of ant and then take appropriate measures to control the infestation. This may include sealing entry points, removing food sources, and seeking professional pest control services if necessary.
Yes, some ants in Australia can be dangerous. For example, bull ants are known for their aggressive behaviour and painful stings. Fire ants are also known for their painful stings and ability to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you encounter a nest of these ants, it is recommended to contact a professional pest controller.
