Because it is highly variable in size (3–5mm), colour, and colony structure, it is possible that it consists of a complex of closely related species.

[1] It has a generalist diet, including small arthropods, nectar, and seeds, and it also tends aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs to obtain honeydew.

Chelaner was raised to generic level in 1966 to contain 37 Australian species along with 10 from New Caledonia, New Guinea, and New Zealand.

[4] Bolton in 1987 examined the mophological features of Chelaner, and found them to be too variable to distinguish the genus, which was synonomised with Monomorium again.

[1][8] There is some evidence to suggest that the range of Monomorium antarcticum in urban habitats may be restricted due to competition with exotic ant species, at least in northern parts of New Zealand.