Iridomyrmex purpureus
Meat ant
Australian ant building massive gravel mounds, fundamental in arid ecosystems.
- Habitat
- Arid and semi-arid zones of Australia; deserts, scrublands and dry grasslands.
- Behavior
- Builds gravel mounds several meters across; super-abundant colonies; diurnal foraging even in extreme heat.
- Distribution
- Central and western Australia; absent from humid coastal zones.
- Diet
- Omnivorous: nectar, insect honeydew, carrion and seeds.
# Key Features
*Iridomyrmex purpureus* creates some of the world's most spectacular ant mounds, gravel structures that can reach 2 meters in height and 6 meters in diameter. Known locally as "meat ant" for its reddish-purple color and attraction to meat, this species dominates Australian arid ecosystems. Colonies can contain millions of workers and multiple queens. It plays a crucial role as predator, scavenger and seed disperser in the Australian outback. Surprisingly active during the hottest hours of the day when other species seek refuge.