Myrmecia
Myrmecia forficata
Nuptial Flight Calendar
Care Guide
Myrmecia Forficata, commonly known as the bull ant or inchman, is one of the most impressive and intimidating species available to ant keepers. These ants display a striking appearance, with large, powerful mandibles, long legs, and enormous eyes that give them excellent vision. The queen is the largest member of the colony, reaching up to 20–25 mm in length, while workers range from 14 to 22 mm. Unlike many ant species, Myrmecia workers are all of similar size and show no clear polymorphism, but their sheer size and aggressive nature make them stand out. A mature colony typically contains between 300 and 1,500 workers, which is modest compared to many other species, but each individual is a formidable predator.
The diet of Myrmecia Forficata is heavily protein-based. These ants are active hunters that rely on live prey such as crickets, flies, and other insects. They are solitary foragers, using their excellent eyesight to track and ambush prey with a swift, powerful sting that can be quite painful to humans. In captivity, they also accept protein-rich sources like mealworms and freshly killed insects, along with sugar water to supplement their energy needs. It is important to note that they do not scavenge dead insects as readily as many other ants, so a regular supply of live or freshly killed prey is essential for colony growth.
Care difficulty
Keeping Myrmecia Forficata is an advanced undertaking and is not recommended for beginners. Their semi-claustral founding means the queen must leave the nest to hunt during the early stages, making her vulnerable and requiring careful observation. The workers are highly sensitive to vibrations and disturbances, and their aggressive temperament demands respect. Additionally, their powerful sting can cause serious reactions in sensitive individuals, so handling or unnecessary disturbance should be avoided. A secure, escape-proof formicarium is an absolute requirement.
Housing
A suitable setup for Myrmecia Forficata includes a spacious foraging area with low lighting and a nest that maintains temperatures between 18 and 24°C, with humidity around 50–70%. The nest should have deep chambers and well-structured tunnels to allow the ants to retreat and feel secure. A substrate such as plaster, clay, or a natural soil mix works well. The foraging area must be escape-proof, with high walls and a tight lid, as these ants are excellent climbers. Hibernation is necessary for long-term health. From late autumn to early spring, the colony should be gradually cooled to around 12°C for three to four months, with reduced feeding and moisture.
First days after purchase
Upon receiving your Myrmecia Forficata colony, place the formicarium in a quiet, dimly lit location and allow the ants to settle without disturbance for at least a few days. Observe from a distance to ensure the queen is adapting to her new surroundings. Offer small, live prey such as fruit flies or pinhead crickets, and provide a sugar water feeder. Do not attempt to open the nest or perform any maintenance until the colony has established a steady rhythm of foraging and brood care. Patience is key — these ants are slow to trust their environment but reward experienced keepers with a truly unique window into the life of one of Australia’s most iconic hunters.