The two most common types of this sort of ant in Perth are the coastal brown (Pheidole megacephala) and Green-Headed ants (Rhytidoponera metallica). Although these two species feed primarily on the same things, they are completely different in nature.

The Green-Headed ant, also known as the metallic pony ant, is relatively new to Perth. It typically nests outside in small colonies under paths, rockeries, garden beds and in grassed areas. It forms very untidy mounds. This species is not trail forming, so nest locations can sometimes be difficult to locate. It very rarely enters houses, however poses a massive problem outside in gardens, parks and playgrounds because it possesses a very painful sting that can feel like your skin is on fire for up to an hour after being stung.

Coastal Brown ants are one of the easiest species of ant to identify as it is one of the few ant species that has both major and minor workers. This meaning that the major worker has a much bigger head than the minor workers so it is very distinctive. It is considered one of the most major ant pests throughout Perth metro, Darwin and also along the eastern seaboard.

The major worker performs tasks like protecting the colony as well as easy tasks like cracking open seeds.  These ants infest houses, stores and gardens, taking food ranging from sugar to cheese, meat and breads, and also looking for water in the dryer conditions.

This species tends to live in garden areas and under pathways. Most commonly you will find them nesting around the base of plants or in the garden bed itself as well as in grassed areas. This ant forms very large colonies and will aggressively defend its territory against other ants species and insects.