Meet The Meatant
The Australian meatant is a familiar sight to most Aussies, whether living in the bush, the outback or the city, meatant's nests are a common sight. Starting as a single hole, these industrious ants expand their nest rapidly, growing to large colonies in a short period.
These large ants have powerful pincers, capable of carrying comparatively big stones and food items. They will work together in teams to move and carry items too large for them to move themselves, and I have seen them moving skinks, mice and other food items quite long distances. If something is too large, a team of ants will dismember it and carry it back to the nest piecemeal.
When their nest is disturbed, ants come pouring out of the holes to defend it, delivering a painful bite. Many a picnic has been ruined when these guys turn up in force. As kids, we used to stir them up by swiping our foot across the nest a couple of times to watch the irate buggers come pouring out. Pretty funny watching a friend who was not quick enough dancing as they ran up their leg and started biting. Not so funny when it happened to you...
Those are some pretty neat close ups!
Are those the ones that sting too?
No, these just bite, hard. They will actually break skin and leave you bleeding if they get you on a tender spot.
The Jumping Jacks are the ones that sting, and they also jump, they are painful.
Ouch! You wouldn't want those ants in your pants!
No, no you don't. Speaking from harsh experience!
Thx for the prompt!!