Myrmecia nigriscapa (Timid Bulldog Ant)
 
One of Australia's larger Bull ant species, Myrmecia nigriscapa is an incredibly impressive ant. Queens reach an astonishing 23-26mm, while workers can vary between 17-25mm in length.
 
However, despite their intimidating size, powerful mandibles and formidable sting, Myrmecia nigriscapa has a rather surprising personality.
 
Unlike many Bull ants which will readily rush out to confront a disturbance, this species has been described as unusually timid. Observations of wild colonies have even recorded workers retreating and cowering within their nest chambers rather than confronting an intruder.
 
This makes for an interesting contrast: an ant equipped with excellent eyesight, enormous mandibles and a powerful sting, yet seemingly much more reluctant to use them defensively than many of its close relatives.
 
Don't let their timid nature fool you, however. They remain large, fast and exceptionally well-armed ants capable of delivering a painful sting, and should still be treated with considerable respect when feeding or maintaining their enclosure.
 
With all of that being said....
 
"Of course it had to be Australian, eh?!"
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.