The species is a part of the Iridomyrmex purpureus group, and is among the most familiar ant the Australian public is affiliated with.

These ants in Sydney are different in variation and can be distinguished by their dark coloured appearance and small heads, which isn't normal when compared to other colonies elsewhere in Australia.

[4] Iridomyrmex rufoniger ants are abundant in every state and territory in Australia, although it is rare in the Northern Territory, to the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia (perhaps introduced) and was introduced to New Zealand after being intercepted at the ports of Auckland and Freyberg, but it has not been formally established in the country.

[4] In Westonia, located in Western Australia are numerous colonies that have established themselves in mine dumps, but they are not common in surrounding bushland that has gone under rehabilitation.

[6] Workers forage nocturnally and diurnally, and will walk on eucalyptus trees to obtain nectar and honeydew, but they will also hunt for insects to bring back to the colony.