Iridomyrmex Anceps - Asian Meat Ant (Tyrant Ants)
 
Meat ants are a fantastic, quick growing and impressive species. .
 
Commonly known as the tyrant ant they are found in Asia and Australia. They favour country locations over urban. They have no ability to sting but are incredibly aggressive and will defend their mounds with ferocious force.
 
They differ from their Larger cousins by being much smaller in size, this species which can reach 5mm.
 
With such impressive colonies they need lots of food and travel long distances to get it, tending to aphids in trees (and relocating them closer to home). 
 
When alates happen, it is common practice for groups of workers to leave the main colony and help the de-alates set up nest and provide protection in their new colony and help limit the number of queens who die to predators. 
 
If you are an advanced or experienced keeper who would love a challenge with an ant that’s both larger and quick growing then this is the species for you.
 
Colony Size
Monogyne or Polygyne
10,000 to 15,000 workers
Temperature
Nest 22 to 27 degrees
Hibernation
No
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
No
Sting/Spray/Acid
No
Diet
Insects, meat (like pinkies), sugars and seeds
Nest Type
Natural, Acrylic, Sand, Earth, Glass.
Size
Queen – 7-8mm
Worker – 3-5mm