Iridomyrmex purpureus. A young meat ant queen searches for a place to start a nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus. A young meat ant queen searches for a place to start a nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
A young meat ant queen (Iridomyrmex purpureus) excavates her first nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
A young meat ant queen (Iridomyrmex purpureus) excavates her first nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus. A young meat ant queen searches for a place to start a nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus. A young meat ant queen searches for a place to start a nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
A young meat ant queen (Iridomyrmex purpureus) excavates her first nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
A young meat ant queen (Iridomyrmex purpureus) excavates her first nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
A young meat ant queen (Iridomyrmex purpureus) excavates her first nest.

Little Desert National Park, Victoria, Australia
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013