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. The first thing one notices is the large size of the workers, which vary from 6 to 7 mm, as well as their very specific coloration: black on the rear of the body with metallic blue reflections, the head is a deep red, as is most of the thorax. With a slightly triangular head and long legs, their morphology is quite unique. The queen is black and measures approximately 14 mm, generally larger than a Messor, with a morphology reminiscent of a giant Formica fusca.

Iridomyrmex is a very active species, and its rapid development makes it easy and rewarding to keep. It belongs to the subfamily Dolichoderinae (with naked pupae, lacking cocoons). The queens are very attentive to the brood, and activity can become quite intense from the first worker ants. Colonies are monogynous but can reach tens of thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, of workers, and may form multiple nests (up to a dozen) to maintain dominance. There can be more larvae and pupae than adult workers at any one time.

Luckily, the queen can regulate egg-laying to adapt to the available space! Raising them in a small artificial ant farm is perfectly easy. Here's an Australian video showcasing the species in a plexiglass nest:

The territorial of Iridomyrmex purpureus is remarkable, with ritualized battles occurring between workers from different colonies to demarcate the boundaries of their empire. These battles are almost never fatal and can be repeated for months to maintain their dominance.

Iridomyrmex purpureus is a predator and particularly enjoys insects such as flies, fruit flies, and small crickets. Those who prefer species like Aphaenogaster senilis will adore it. It also farms aphids, and sweet foods are recommended almost daily: fruits, protein jelly, sugar jelly, agave syrup, etc.

For protein, consider freezing crickets after feeding them well; you'll have a very easy way to provide protein.

In Australia, this ant species is even valued by Australian farmers for its ability to quickly consume dead animals and prey on cane toads (invasive and toxic) when the worker population is sufficient. Iridomyrmex does not sting, but its bite is painful.

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

Iridomyrmex purpureus thrives in warm conditions and flourishes at temperatures around 27°C. It prefers nests with low to medium humidity, and our artificial ant farms are ideal for this species. Additionally, providing an observation area will prevent escapes and make observation more enjoyable.

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

 

Our selling price includes an export permit paid to the Australian government 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 has no parasites or diseases.

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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 queen laying and the presence of brood at the time of shipment, guaranteed parasite-free,
2/ No "boost" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster, the queen has been raised since swarming),
3/ Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial refund in case of loss of workers, total in case of loss of the queen (with 24-48h carrier),
4/ Breeding guide offered and health record provided,
5/ Buyback of your colony 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 allows us to virtually eliminate losses during transport, and we have been using specially designed and tested packaging for this purpose for 10 years. Any loss of the queen during transport would automatically entitle you to a 100% refund (valid with 48-hour courier service).

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More information on Iridomyrmex purpureus:

– Queen size: 14 mm
– Worker size: 6-7 mm
– Rearing temperature: 27°C during the day, 20-24°C at night
– Hibernation: None. Heat year-round, or allow a 2-month period at room temperature starting in late August to ensure the queen's longevity and egg-laying.
– Food: Small live insects (crickets size 2 to 4, fruit flies, mosquitoes, etc.) or dead insects, sugary liquids, jellies, meat, etc.
– Humidity requirements: Relatively low.
– Monogynous (One queen maximum per colony)
– Maximum colony population: Approximately 65,000 workers, sometimes several hundred thousand.
– Color: Black abdomen with blue metallic reflections, reddish head and thorax.
– Estimated maximum queen lifespan: 7 to 15 years

Photo 1: GFDL license.