The three dimensional gallery structure of the nest of the meat ant Iridomyrmex Purpureus (SM.) (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

Abstract

A study of the gallery structure of the nest of I. purpureus is reported, using a lead-casting technique to obtain three-dimensional relationships. Each entrance on the low, gravel-covered mound was found in almost all cases to open into a separate set of galleries. The structure is described and the significance of the arrangement is discussed. Statistical analysis shows that the nest entrances are not randomly disposed.