Can you identify these bugs?

Submitted: Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 13:16
ThreadID: 139598 Views:9683 Replies:5 FollowUps:3
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Below are pics of two "bugs" I saw during my 2019 travels.

The ant/termite with the golden rear section was photographed at Palm Valley, Finke Gorge NP. But I actually saw these in a few different places in central Oz.

The spider (?) was photographed after dark in Mac Clark Conservation Reserve. There were a few of them around. I spotted them because their eyes reflected my light.

Anyone know what these are?



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Reply By: Genny - Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 13:28

Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 13:28
The ant looks like a golden tailed spiny ant, but they are supposed to be east coast only. A relative perhaps?
AnswerID: 629742

Follow Up By: Bazooka - Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 19:02

Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 19:02
Google suggests you're right Genny. One of the Polyrhachis genus Golden-spined Ant
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FollowupID: 904826

Reply By: BV - Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 15:15

Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 15:15
a wolf spider?
AnswerID: 629743

Reply By: Gusthebus - Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 16:11

Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 16:11
Sorry I can't help, but I've had success contacting qld museum website, expert entomologists will respond within 2-3 days. It's pretty cool. Good luck and well done for wanting to be informed.
AnswerID: 629744

Follow Up By: Candace S. - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2020 at 13:15

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2020 at 13:15
I didn't find a contact form for the QLD museum. I did find one for the Australian Museum in Sydney. I sent in the pics, if I get an answer I'll share here.
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Follow Up By: Candace S. - Tuesday, Feb 04, 2020 at 15:40

Tuesday, Feb 04, 2020 at 15:40
Well, no response from Sydney so far.

I took another look (this time using my laptop) and finally found the contact form for the QLD Museum. They seem to be focused on identifying stuff from QLD. Guess I'll give them a try anyway!
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Reply By: Ron A - Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 16:38

Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 16:38
Have to agree it could be a golden tailed spiny ant but is a long way from home.

The spider seems to be a variety of Jumping Spider.
AnswerID: 629745

Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 16:45

Monday, Jan 27, 2020 at 16:45
Hi Candace, similar shape ant, but not the same colour, I thought it looked like a Spinifex Ant.

The experts will let you know.


Cheers


Stephen
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AnswerID: 629746

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