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Polyrhachis ornata

2 Ornate spiny ant at Mount Painter

Polyrhachis ornata at Mount Painter - 15 Apr 2019
Polyrhachis ornata at Mount Painter - 15 Apr 2019
Polyrhachis ornata at Mount Painter - 15 Apr 2019
Polyrhachis ornata at Mount Painter - 15 Apr 2019
Polyrhachis ornata at Mount Painter - 15 Apr 2019
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Identification history

Polyrhachis ornata 17 Apr 2019 JonLewis
Polyrhachis ornata 16 Apr 2019 CathB

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User's notes

These strange-looking ant pairs were descending the trunk of an old yellow box. This appears to be an example of the behaviour called social carrying. Images 3, 4 and 5 were taken late on 15 April when about 6 pairs were seen descending and a couple of unencumbered ants were ascending. Images 1 and 2 were taken early on 16 April and show the only pair seen, which had set out from the trunk onto the ground. Progress through the deep litter was very slow and I wasn't able to see where they went. A single ant went in the opposite direction, initially climbing a neighbouring trunk, but then coming down and starting to climb the trunk the others had come from.

1 comment

JonLewis wrote:
   18 Apr 2019
Great photos and very interesting observation, thanks! Jon

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Nearby sightings

Page 2 of 3 - image sightings only

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Meranoplus sp. (genus) (Shield Ant) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020 by CathB
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Rutilia (Donovanius) sp. (genus & subgenus) (A Bristle Fly) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2020 by CathB
Pheidole sp. (genus) (Seed-harvesting ant) at Cook, ACT - 20 Jan 2020 by CathB
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Location information

Sighting information

  • 4 - 15 Abundance
  • 15 Apr 2019 05:05 PM Recorded on
  • CathB Recorded by

Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size

Species information

Record quality

  • Overall Fit for scientific/research use
  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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