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
Myrmecia nigriceps

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
When the photographer disturbs her nest, a small Myrmecia forficata worker emerges to stand guard.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
When the photographer disturbs her nest, a small Myrmecia forficata worker emerges to stand guard.

Harrietville, 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
Myrmecia pilosula is smaller than its bull ant relatives and can be identified by a silver-gray body with yellow antennae, mandibles, and forelegs.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
Myrmecia nigriceps

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
A nest of the black-headed bull ant Myrmecia nigriceps.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Myrmecia nigriceps

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Myrmecia nigriceps

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Myrmecia nigriceps

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013