 Queens are usually larger than the workers , but are similar in colour and body shape . The head , node and postpetiole are broader in the queen , and the mandibles are shorter and also broad . Myrmecia queens are unique in that particular species either have fully winged queens , queens with poorly developed wings , or queens without any wings . For example , M. aberrans and M. esuriens queens are ergatoid , meaning that they are wingless . Completely excavated nests showed no evidence of any winged queen residing within them . Some species have queens which are subapterous , meaning they are either wingless or only have rudiments of wings ; the queens can be well developed with or without these wing buds . M. nigrocincta and M. tarsata are " brachypterous " , where queens have small and rudimentary wings which render the queen flightless . Dealated queens with developed wings and thorax are considered rare . In some species , such as M. brevinoda and M. pilosula , there are three forms of queens , with the dealated queens being the most recognisable . 
