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Jack Jumper ant

Myrmecia pilosula

Description:

The jack jumper ant, hopper ant, jumper ant or jumping jack, Myrmecia pilosula, is a species of bull ant that is native to Australia. The ants are recorded throughout the country, but are most often found in Tasmania, rural Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and the southeast area of South Australia. These ants are black or red and black, and may have yellow or orange legs, antennae and mandibles. They are 10-12 mm long. Their characteristic jumping motion when in an agitated state gave them their name.

Habitat:

Dry sclerophyll bush land. I spotted this on on our sliding glass door. The last photo is taken through the glass and shows the ant from underneath.

Notes:

This is a large and aggressive ant with a very painful bite. About 3% of people will have a severe allergic reaction to being bitten. Jack jumper ants cause more deaths in Tasmania than spiders, snakes, wasps, and sharks combined

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4 Comments

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 12 years ago

A very very painful and annoying sting. Even if not allergic the pain can last for many days.
KarenL I might even say awful instead of awesome.

KarenL
KarenL 12 years ago

Awesome!

lori.tas
lori.tas 12 years ago

Yeah, Lars. I called the dogs in until this went away. They're very common around here, but I've only been bit once, and that was enough.

LarsKorb
LarsKorb 12 years ago

scary jaws

lori.tas
Spotted by
lori.tas

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Spotted on Jan 26, 2012
Submitted on Jan 26, 2012

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Reference

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