The beautiful Rhytidoponera purpurea is found in the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea.  It is one of many species whose distribution spans both islands, suggesting a recent land connection across the Torres straight.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The beautiful Rhytidoponera purpurea is found in the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea.  It is one of many species whose distribution spans both islands, suggesting a recent land connection across the Torres straight.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The beautiful Rhytidoponera purpurea is found in the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea.  It is one of many species whose distribution spans both islands, suggesting a recent land connection across the Torres straight.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Rhytidoponera sp.

Iron Range National Park, Queensland, Australia
The beautiful Rhytidoponera purpurea is found in the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea.  It is one of many species whose distribution spans both islands, suggesting a recent land connection across the Torres straight.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The beautiful Rhytidoponera purpurea is found in the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea. It is one of many species whose distribution spans both islands, suggesting a recent land connection across the Torres straight.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The beautiful Rhytidoponera purpurea is found in the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea.  It is one of many species whose distribution spans both islands, suggesting a recent land connection across the Torres straight.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The beautiful Rhytidoponera purpurea is found in the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea. It is one of many species whose distribution spans both islands, suggesting a recent land connection across the Torres straight.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013