Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants are aggressive in defense of their colonies. Here, a guard ant attempts to take down the photographer.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants are aggressive in defense of their colonies. Here, a guard ant attempts to take down the photographer.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants. These common insects make characteristic pebbly clearings around their nests.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
The busy nest entrance of Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex bicknelli is among the most common ants in Australia. This small, iridescent ant is abundant in both urban and natural environments.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex alpinus is perhaps the most abundant ant at higher elevations in the Australian alps.

Mt. Buffalo, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants. These common insects make characteristic pebbly clearings around their nests.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex meat ants react aggressively to intruders in their territory.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants are aggressive in defense of their colonies. Here, a guard ant attempts to take down the photographer.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex meat ants react aggressively to intruders in their territory.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex meat ants react aggressively to intruders in their territory.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex meat ants react aggressively to intruders in their territory.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013