Australian Ants

The wayward southern continent of Australia is famous for the strange and relictual creatures that have evolved in nearly complete isolation. The ants are no exception. Australia's ant fauna is both diverse and exceptionally abundant, with a host of species found nowhere else.

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Myrmecia is known for its formidable sting. Here a bull ant (Myrmecia piliventris) sinks her stinger into the photographer, who probably deserves the punishment after breaking clumsily into this ant's nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia

Myrmecia pilosula are spritely little bull ants with a distinctive jerky gait. They are capable of jumping several centimeters, a behavior that has earned them the name "Jack-Jumper".

Tower Hill, Victoria, Australia

Myrmecia pilosula jack-jumper ants from neighboring nests, engaged in battle.

Tower Hill, Victoria, Australia

Predator and prey: Myrmecia pyriformis with a european hornet.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia

Myrmecia nigriceps

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia

Myrmecia pilosula, the jack jumper ant, is noted for its sting. A higher percentage of people (3%) are at risk of life-threatening allergic response to a jack-jumper sting than that of any other insect.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia

The bright colors on this Myrmecia nigrocincta bull ant warn predators of the painful sting she can deliver.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia

Myrmecia is known for its formidable sting. Here a bull ant (Myrmecia piliventris) sinks her stinger into the photographer, who probably deserves the punishment after breaking clumsily into this ant's nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia

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Australian Ants

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