Hi Alison, these ants look a lot like Papyrius rather than Melophorus based on the general body shape & size, and the concave shape of the back of the head (the back of the head is rounded in Melophorus minors). Is this a possibility? Cheers, Jon
I thought this too but they seemed to be nesting in the ground travelling from one nest to the other on the dirt path. A huge storm was brewing with menacing black clouds. I could find the spot again and collect some samples if you like.
Papyrius will certainly nest in the ground and often seem to have what looks like networks of nests with trails between them, so your observation seems ok for Papyrius. If you get the chance, the squish test will confirm it for us.
Thanks Jon. Will try to get back there this week. I intended to reach the Weetangera paddock anyway but got thwarted by the storm. During the recent survey conducted by Michael we did find them nesting among rocks at The Pinnacle but this is not near any known sites. If they don't pass the smell test I can still collect some samples.
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