As a Cerapachys larvatus group raid (large black ants) hits the target Stigmacros nest, chaos and fighting ensue.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
Stigmacros sp.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
As a Cerapachys larvatus group raid (large black ants) hits the target Stigmacros nest, chaos and fighting ensue.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
As a Cerapachys larvatus group raid (large black ants) hits the target Stigmacros nest, chaos and fighting ensue.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
As a Cerapachys larvatus group raid (large black ants) hits the target Stigmacros nest, chaos and fighting ensue.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
Stigmacros sp.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
A foraging Stigmacros worker.  These small ants are easy to overlook.

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia
Stigmacros worker ants with an Anthrenocerus dermestid beetle larva.  The beetle is likely a commensal inhabitant of the ant's nest, taking advantage of the ants' climate-controlled colony while feeding on debris around the nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
A young Stigmacros queen pauses to groom herself while looking for a spot to found a new colony.

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia
As a Cerapachys larvatus group raid (large black ants) hits the target Stigmacros nest, chaos and fighting ensue.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
As a Cerapachys larvatus group raid (large black ants) hits the target Stigmacros nest, chaos and fighting ensue.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
As a Cerapachys larvatus group raid (large black ants) hits the target Stigmacros nest, chaos and fighting ensue.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013