Aphaenogaster sp. (Funnel Ant)

Aphaenogaster is a large genus with more than 200 species worldwide. In Australia, there are eight species common in the coastal and subcoastal areas of southern and eastern Australia, although a few species prefer dryer, inland sites. All species make nests in the soil, often favouring sandy sites. Nests are typically obvious mounds of soil dug from the nest and forming a circle around the entrance in a characteristic funnel shape. Often there are many nest entrances close together, each with its distinctive funnel. At least some species are known to attend aphids feeding on the roots of vegetation (to obtain honeydew) and there may be little apparent ant foraging on the ground around the nests.