Iridomyrmex purpureus – Australia – Colony with Queen

Description

Presentation of the species Iridomyrmex purpureus:

Iridomyrmex purpureus is a favorite species selected by Fourmiculture for its qualities. We first notice the large size of the workers which varies from 6 to 7mm as well as their very specific coloring: black on the back of the body with metallic blue reflections, the head is very red as is the majority of the thorax. With a slightly triangular head and long legs, their morphology is quite unique. The queen is black and measures around 14mm, generally larger than a Messor, with a morphology reminiscent of a giant Formica fusca.

Iridomyrmex has a very lively behavior and its strong development makes it a very easy and enjoyable species to breed. It is a species of the subfamily Dolichoderinae (with naked nymphs, without cocoons). The queens are very attentive to the care of the brood and the activity can become very important from the first workers. The colonies are monogynous but reach up to several tens of thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of workers, and can associate in several nests (up to a dozen) to ensure their superiority. There may be more larvae and pupae than adult workers at the same time.

Fortunately, the queen can regulate the laying to adapt to the available space! Breeding in a small artificial anthill is perfectly easy. Here is an Australian video presenting the species in a plexiglass nest:

territorial behavior of Iridomyrmex purpureus is remarkable and we witness ritualized fights between workers from different colonies to demarcate the borders of their empire. The fights are almost never fatal and can be repeated for months to maintain their dominance.

Iridomyrmex purpureus is a hunter and particularly appreciates insects such as flies, fruit flies, small crickets… Fans of species such as Aphaenogaster senilis will love it. It also breeds aphids and sweet foods are recommended almost daily: fruits, protein jelly, sweet jelly, agave syrup, etc.

On the protein side, consider freezing crickets after having fed them well, you will have enough to make a protein intake very easily.

In Australia, this species of ant is even appreciated by Australian farmers for its ability to quickly consume dead animals and attack cane toads (invasive and toxic) when there are enough workers. Iridomyrmex does not sting but its bite is painful.

Iridomyrmex purpureus is not capable of strong physogastria (swelling of the abdomen to store liquid food) and it is recommended to feed it as often as possible.

heat- seeking and thrives easily when the temperature is 27°C. It grows in a nest with low to medium humidity and our artificial anthills suit it very well. In addition, the use of an Observation Space will make escapes impossible and observations more pleasant.

Optional: Long-term rearing is recommended in a water-refillable and compartmentalized tube to gain comfort and reliability, available as an option at a reduced price.

 

Our sale price includes an export permit paid to the Australian state for each queen taken during swarming and the administrative formalities as well as an Australian veterinary certificate attesting that the queen has been individually checked by a veterinarian and does not contain any parasites. nor illness.

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The Fourmiculture Charter on legislation and ethics:

Fourmiculture offers this exceptional species native to Australia, a very protective country which combines both the most impressive species in the world, and extremely strict legislation on their collection and export.

Because a large number of exotic species on sale are of fraudulent origin, Fourmiculture is engaging with the authorities. The colony will reach you with:

1/ an export certificate

2/ an Australian veterinary certificate

3/ a health and legislative sheet.

These documents attest to our official authorization to collect and export queens of this species. We import them by high-speed carrier, whatever the cost, to ensure good transport conditions. Each colony is then checked one by one to confirm the absence of parasites and the presence of brood.

Fourmiculture is also a recognized establishment of the French veterinary services, in possession of a certificate of capacity for the breeding and sale of ants, validated by myrmecologists, civil and environmental protection services (decision No. 2016195-0002 from the Directorate Department of Population Protection).

Each colony is labelled, has a lot number, and has been professionally tracked from queen collection to delivery.

As an individual, the breeding of this species does not require any authorization because it is neither protected, nor threatened, nor invasive, nor dangerous. We remind you, however, that the law prohibits the release of a non-native species and proposes the resumption of your colonies.

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The Fourmiculture Charter on this exotic species:

1/ Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood during shipping, guaranteed without parasites,
2/ No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies more quickly, the queen is high since swarming),
3/ Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial reimbursement in the event of loss of workers, total reimbursement in the event of loss of the queen (with 24-48 hour carrier),
4/ Free breeding guide and sheet sanitary facilities provided,
5/ Take back your colony for up to €30 if you wish to part with it (see conditions).

Optional 3-month Success Insurance:
For those who want total peace of mind, we offer a 3-month Success Insurance which allows you to receive a new colony at no cost in the event of the death of your colony within 3 months of delivery, without discussion and whatever the reason for the loss!
Conditions: transport at our expense to mainland France only, return from an identical colony within the limits of available stocks. The loss must be proven by a clear photo within 90 days of delivery.

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The Fourmiculture Charter on delivery:

Our experience makes it possible to eliminate almost all losses during transport and we have been using packaging adapted and tested for this use for 10 years. A possible loss of the queen during transport would automatically entitle you to a 100% refund (valid with carrier for 48 hours).

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More info on Iridomyrmex purpureus:

– Size of the queen: 14mm
– Size of the workers: 6-7mm
– Breeding temperature: 27°C during the day, 20-24°C at night
– Wintering: None.
Heat all year round, or respect a period of 2 months at room temperature from the end of August to guarantee the longevity of the queen and her laying. – Food: Small living insects (crickets size 2 to 4, fruit flies, mosquitoes, etc.) or dead, sweet liquids, jellies, meat, etc.
– Humidity requirement: Relatively low.
– Monogynous (one queen maximum per colony)
– Maximum population of the colony: approximately 65,000 workers, sometimes several hundred thousand.
– Color: Black abdomen with blue metallic reflections, reddish head and thorax.
– Estimated maximum longevity of the queen: 7 to 15 years

Photo 1: GFDL license.