Nests on the surface of the ground, generally amongst long, dense grasses or similar ground cover. Sladen (1912) found nests in thatch, in the grubbed-up stump of a tree, in a robin's nest, in an old shoe, and in a decayed and broken kettle. The comb is yellowish brown, often with a reddish tint (Alford, 1975). Nests vary in size, some containing up to two hundred workers (Prys-Jones & Corbet, 1987). Occupied nests are illustrated by Sladen (1912), Free & Butler (1959), Alford (1975), E. von Hagens (1986) and Westrich (1989). The prepupa has been described and figured by Grandi (1961). Brood development is described by Brian (1951a).
Rasmont (2008) reports that this species will utilise abandoned mammal nests and may, occasionally, occupy abandoned bird's nests.