Calyptomyrmex beccarii (Strawberry ant)

Members of the genus Calyptomyrmex are rare ants that forage on the ground or in leaf litter. They are most commonly encountered in rainforests where they forage singly or in small numbers. The few nests that have been found have been in rotten wood or directly in soil. Workers are often covered with a layer of soil, the enlarged and often spatulate hairs presumably assisting in the retention of this camouflaging material. The majority of species of Calyptomyrmex are known from only limited numbers of collections, with even the most common having been collected fewer than 20 times. Although this rarity makes estimates of true distribution patterns problematic, it appears that most species have restricted ranges while only a single species, Calyptomyrmex beccarii, has become widespread. [Source: AntWiki].

Prior to NatureMapr sighting 4719702 by contributor Frecko, there was only one reliable record of this genus in NSW, and that was from the Iluka Nature Reserve on the far north coast of NSW. Sighting 4719702 was a major extension of the previously known range of this genus and takes it into a geographical range which is much drier and cooler than would have been expected.

In Singapore, the common name for this genus is Strawberry Ants, the spatulate hairs on the body being reminiscent of the seeds on the outside of a strawberry.

Regional distribution

Calyptomyrmex beccarii is listed in the following regions: