Rhytidoponera metallica are one of the most common and most widely used Australian insects.Their metallic color can change from a green-blue to a green-purple sheen. As a pioneer species, they are able to colonize damaged areas quickly and have become common in urban areas. These ants are often the first insects to go after a bush fire on foraging.
Their food spectrum is wide, consists mainly of animal products, but they both collect and actively hunt. They move very quickly and, unlike most Australian species, they also foraging in the rain as long as it is only brief showers handelt.Ihre nests are usually found in soil, under twigs or wood and often at the base of shrubs.
Taxonomy: Subfamily Ponerinae, Tribe Ectatommini Genus Rhytidoponera
Colloquial: English. Greenhead Ant , greenheaded pony ant
Distribution: Southern Australia
Habitat: Urban areas, forests, heath / meadow
Size: about 5-8 mm
average life expectancy of the queen: 4 years
Hibernation: No
Food: insects, honey water, and fruit like grapes z.Bsp
Climate: subtropical, desert-
Soil condition: loamy, stoney
Nest building: Soil nests, often under stones
Planting: Any
Class: easy bite, which can lead to an uncomfortable burning and warm feeling
Special feature: The ants are not able to climb up on glass. they do not have a socialstomach and take liquid food as a simple drop between its mouth parts into the nest.
