The dangerous Australian jack jumper ant has powerful venom
The Jack Jumper ant is a member of the bull ant (or ‘bulldog’ ant) genus – Myrmecia - an ancient group of ants only found in Australia and New Caledonia. It is a scavenger, predator and nectar feeder, and hunts on the ground and in low foliage. At about 10 mm in length Myrmecia pilosula is one of the smallest species of that genus. It is mostly black with yellow-brown mandibles (jaws), antennae and lower legs. It is extremely aggressive by nature and moves in a characteristically jerky jumping manner. When you first see this movement it looks somewhat playful, even a little comical, but there is nothing funny about its sting. Jack Jumper ants can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition in some people typified by constriction of the throat and difficulty in breathing. Other symptoms include swelling and itchiness around the wound, weakness, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Severe symptoms may occur within minutes and if medical treatment is not sought immediately some people are in grave danger.
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Location: Pomonal, Victoria, Australia
Photo credit: © Denis Crawford / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: allergy, anaphylaxis, ant, australia, australian, formicidae, hymenoptera, insect, jack, jumper, macro, myrmecia, nest, pilosula, skipper, venom
