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Australian Venomous Ants

Deaths from jumper ant stings have occurred in Australia

Photograph courtesy Alex Wild 2005  myrmecos.net

The “Jumper ant”   Myrmecia  pilosula 

A primitive group of ants found only in Australia .

Introduction
Allergic reactions to stinging ants are an important cause of anaphylaxis in
Australia. The proteinaceous venom can be fatal to humans.
Allergic reactions to the Jack Jumper ant (also known as the Jumper Ant,
Hopper Ant) are a uniquely Australian problem, although other species such
as Bulldog Ants ( Myrmecia pyriformis ) , the Green Ant of Queensland, and
introduced South American Fire Ant  cause allergic reactions. 

Select an article on this page.

 1:  An encounter with “Bull Dog ants” in Melbourne 1852.
 2:  What is a Jack Jumper Ant?    ( Myrmecia  pilosula ) 
 3:  Analysis of the proteinaceous Venom in the sting.
 4:  Jumper ant venom can destroy cancer cells.
 5:  Distribution of the Jack jumper ant and their nests.
 6:  The venom of Jack Jumper Ants and Anaphylaxis.
 7:  First aid and Bush remedy for Jumper ant sting. 
 8:  Jumper Ant allergy does not disappear quickly. 
 9:  Inch Ant, Bull ant ( Myrmecia pyriformis ).
 10: Bush remedy for Inch Ant, Bull ant sting.
 11: Photograph of the Inch Ant stinger. 
 12: The Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren)

A descriptive encounter with “Bull Dog ants” in Melbourne circa 1852.

" Insects, fleas, etc, are as plentiful as it is possible to be, and the ants,
of which there are several kinds, are a perfect nuisance.

The largest are called by the old colonists, "bull-dogs," and formidable
creatures they are--luckily not very common, about an inch and a half long,
black, or rusty-black, with a red tail.
They bite like a little crab. Ants of an inch long are quite common.
They do not -- like the English ones -- run scared away at the sight of a
human being -- not a bit of it;
Australian ants have more  PLUCK,  and will turn and face you. 
Nay, more, should you  RETREAT,  they will run after you with all the
impudence imaginable.

Often when my organ of destructiveness has tempted me slightly to disturb

with the end of my parasol one of the many ant-hills on the way from
Melbourne to Richmond, I have been obliged, as soon as they discovered
the perpetrator of the attack, to take to my heels and run away as if for my
life. "
   Source:   " A Lady's Visit to the Gold Diggings of Australia in 1852-53 " by Mrs Charles (Ellen) Clacy   1853

" Around 1 in 300 people in Australia are susceptible to severe allergic 
reactions to stinging insects, and some will die. " 
Source:  Stinging insect allergy / anaphylaxis   http://www.allergycapital.com.au/Pages/GPSting.html

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What is a Jack Jumper Ant?

Most Australian native stinging ants are from the genus Myrmecia a
primitive group of ants found only in Australia and one other species
( Myrmecia apicalis ) can be found in New Calendonia.
There are 89 species within this group.
This group is broadly subdivided into “Jumper ants” and “Bull Dog ants”.
Bull Dog ants are large, around 15-25 mm long, whereas Jumper ants are
generally 10 to 15 mm long and often display jerky, jumping movements,
and when disturbed they move forward by a series of jumps of up to 50 mm
each jump.
Jumper Ants are also known as “Hopper Ants” or “Skipper Ants” in South
Australia. The Jumper Ant most frequently associated with allergic reactions
is commonly known as the “Jack Jumper Ant” , “Jack Jumper” or “Jumping
Jack”.
Jack Jumpers have a black body and orange/brown jaws/pincers and limbs.

Jumper ants sting , rather than bite , like bees and wasps, they grasp the
victim in their jaws, then bend and sting them. The sting is in the tail.
They are aggressive, typically walk with a hopping motion, and can
sometimes “jump” from surrounding vegetation.

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Analysis of the Venom in the sting.
Compounds found:   Histamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, amino acids, 
oligopeptides, phospholipids, carbohydrates, melittin, apamin, mast cell
degranulating peptide, secapin, tertiapin, protease inhibitor, procamine A
 & B, phospholipase A  &  B, hyaluronidases, acid phosphomonoesterase, 
alpha-D-glucosidase

Referenced from:  WCH Clinical Toxicology Resources  The University of Adelaide  Australia

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Jumper ant venom can destroy cancer cells.

" The immunotoxin, which incorporates a major component from the venom 
of the jumper ant Myrmecia pilosula is four times more potent than an
immunotoxin derived from bee venom... " 

" In a development that promises a new approach to cancer therapy, UTS 
researchers have developed a chemical "warhead" — known as an
immunotoxin — that effectively targets malignant cells with a new toxin
found in an Australian ant.
Professor Robert Raison of the Cell and Molecular Biology Department
describes the ant toxin and the vehicle for delivering it as "a guided
missile".
In the earlier research, Professor Raison’s team isolated melittin, a toxic
protein in bee venom. They fused the gene encoding the toxic protein with
the gene encoding the binding site of an antibody molecule in order to
produce a new protein with strong anti-cancer properties, especially
effective against the human leukaemia known as multiple myeloma.

He believes the team’s current research involving the highly potent toxin
from the venom of the jumper ant and its efficient delivery by means of an
antibody mechanism to specific cancer sites in the body represents a new
approach in the development of immunotoxins for cancer chemotherapy.

While the aim of developing a potent and site-specific "magic bullet" with
minimal side effects has motivated cancer researchers throughout the
world, Australia’s humble jumper ant might yet provide UTS with a winner in
the international cancer research stakes. " 

Source:  Newsroom, University of Technology, Sydney  http://www.newsroom.uts.edu.au/ 7 May 2001

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Distribution

The Jack jumper ant has a widespread distribution

These ants are found in Tasmania, Victoria, The

ACT, the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and
coastal New South Wales, the Adelaide Hills in
South Australia, and with some pockets reported in
the Blue Mountains, some parts of Western
Australia and unconfirmed sightings in Queensland.
It is likely that there are other (as yet undescribed) habitats as well, and
that observations relate to interactions between ant colonies and human
habitats.   Map Source and data verification. (1)
Tasmania:
A study of the epidemiology of allergy to jack jumper ant stings jack jumper
ant venom allergy is a major problem in Tasmania, affecting 2.7% of the
population, with 1% of the population having suffered a life-threatening
reaction when stung.
A staggering 12% of the Tasmanian population is stung by jack jumpers
every year, and the risks of developing jack jumper venom allergy and
having a life-threatening reaction both increase almost three-fold with
age>35 years. During the team’s study follow-up period, people with a
history of allergic reactions had a 70% risk of having a further reaction if
they received another sting – an exceptionally high figure (compared with
25-50% risks quoted for wasp stings.(2)

" Currently, around 12,000 Tasmanians and an estimated 60,000 Australians 
are known to suffer a serious allergy to Jack Jumper Ant stings. Of these,
around 4000 Tasmanians are highly allergic, having experienced the
condition known as anaphylaxis which puts them at a significant risk of
death. " (3)

Nests are often difficult to find

Although established nests can form massive mounds, they are often
difficult to find, and may be present under rock, with the entrance
surrounded by a pile of fine gravel. Typically, a couple of sentry ants are
present at the entrance.
The ants are aggressive, and often hunt alone. They will stray away from
the nest, and at times find their way into people's houses and kitchens. It
is very difficult to avoid being stung by jumper ant in endemic areas, when
nests are located close to human inhabitants.

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Allergic reactions may occur to ant stings

There are different types of allergic reactions to stinging insects. The stings
of jumper ants, like those of bees and wasps, are very painful.
Local swelling is very common and large local swellings can also occur,
lasting a few days at a time.
The most serious reactions are known as generalised allergic reactions, of
which the most severe is called anaphylaxis.

The proteinaceous venom of Jack Jumper Ants and Anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis :
Exaggerated reaction of an organism to a foreign protein or other
substance.
Anaphylaxis occurs after exposure to an allergen (such as food, insect sting
or medicine), to which a person is already extremely sensitive.
It results in potentially life-threatening symptoms, including:
o Difficulty/noisy breathing
o Swelling of tongue
o Swelling/tightness in throat
o Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
o Wheeze or persistent cough
o Chest tightness
o Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
o Confusion, loss of consciousness and/or collapse
o Pale and floppy (in young children)

In some cases, anaphylaxis is preceded by less dangerous allergic

symptoms, eg:
o Swelling of face, lips and eyes
o Congestion and watering of the nose and eyes
o Hives or welts on the skin
o Headaches, anxiety, flushing

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First aid:
For Australian stinging ants:
Jumping ants / jack jumper ant, (Myrmecia pilosula), Bull or Bulldog Ant
(Myrmecia pyriformis), Green-head Ant (Rhytidopenera metallica) * Blue Ant
" (Diamma bicolor) (this is actually a type of wasp) and other ants
mentioned in this article.

If you have previously had a serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction to

an ant sting:
o   You should consult your doctor about the need for you to carry 
adrenaline for use in the event of an ant sting.
o  If you have received an ant sting (7) inside the mouth or throat:
o   Ring 000 for an ambulance.

If you have been stung by an ant and have previously had a serious
allergic or anaphylactic reaction to an ant sting you should follow these
steps:
o  Ring 000 for an ambulance
o  Administer your adrenaline if you have been instructed to use it in this 
situation
o  Avoid movement as much as possible 
o  Wait for the ambulance 

If you have been stung by an ant and have NOT previously had a
serious reaction to an ant sting you should follow these steps:
o  Wash the stung area with soap and water 
o  Apply a cold pack to the area to relieve pain and swelling 
o  If there is persistent or severe swelling and/or itching, take 
antihistamine tablets for 1-3 days
o  Antihistamines are available from pharmacies without a prescription. The 
pharmacist will be able to recommend one suitable for you.
o  Even if you have never been stung by an ant before, watch for the
following symptoms, they may indicate a serious allergic or anaphylactic
reaction, which requires urgent medical attention:
o  red blotches on the skin or an itchy rash over the body 
o  swelling in parts of the body away from the stung area, especially the 
lips and around the eyes
o  feeling faint, light-headed or dizzy
o  breathing difficulties such as wheeze or shortness of breath 
o  chest tightness. 
Source: This information was provided courtesy of the Austin Hospital. Melbourne Australia. 
Available at the Austin Health website http://austin.org.au/   
(7) Note: "bite" has been used by the source and was replaced with sting/stung by the author.
Bush remedy for Jumper ant sting   
When there are no signs of allergic symptoms.
" The young tips of bracken fern rubbed on a jumper ant sting is a useful 
bush remedy that was discovered and used by Australian Aborigines. ". 
This bush remedy may alleviate the local pain that may be experienced
when an ant sting has occurred.
Source:  Newsletter of Manly Council’s Bushland Reserves   Summer 2003 — Manly’s Bushland News 3

Anaphylaxis to Jumper Ant stings is not rare

In areas where jumper ants are common, population surveys have shown
that between 2 and 3 per cent of people have had generalised allergic
reactions, and in around half of these people the reactions can be life-
threatening.
Deaths from jumper ant stings have occurred in Australia, with several
recorded cases in recent years ( including one in the Macedon Ranges(4) ).
Since allergy as a cause of death can be difficult to detect at post mortem ,
it is conceivable that deaths due to sting allergy are under-reported.

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Jumper Ant allergy does not disappear quickly.

Follow-up studies have shown that around 70 per cent of people with
jumper ant allergy, will have another allergic reaction if re-stung. This
sensitivity to repeat stings appears to persist for many years.
Management options
Patients with allergic reactions to jumper ants, as with other allergies, need
to avoid the trigger (where possible), carry emergency medication
(adrenaline/EpiPen) and know what to do if accidental exposure occurs.
Wearing a MedicAlert (or similar) bracelet may provide additional
information to attending doctors or ambulance officers.

Avoiding Jumper ants

Jumper ants are difficult to avoid in endemic areas, as they often stray long
distances from the nests.
Destroying nearby nests has been proposed to reduce the risk of accidental
stings, but may not prevent stings from nests located further away.
Wearing heavy clothing such as boots and gloves when in the bush or when
gardening seems sensible, but the ants can still sting through heavy
clothing. Whether moving from endemic areas to another area may help is
uncertain.

Reference:   Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.  ASCIA May 2005  www.allergy.org.au

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  Inch Ant, Bull ant ( Myrmecia pyriformis ) body length about 25 mm. 
Inch or Bulldog Ants, have a sting in their abdomen/tail attached to a
venom gland. Stings can be quite painful and may result in allergic
reactions, up to and including anaphylaxis. Secondary infection, though
uncommon, may occur. Honeybees leave their sting in the wound, but
Wasps and Ants do not, so may sting more than once.
– there are at least four to five different species including M. forficata
(found in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW), M. gratiosa (Perth WA) and
M. pyriformis (found in Victoria, South Australia and NSW).

The Inch Ant stinger

Reference.  NSW HEALTH Snakebite and Spiderbite Clinical Management Guidelines 
Image courtesy: NSW HEALTH Snakebite and Spiderbite Clinical Management Guidelines

Bull Ant, Inch Ant sting Remedy.  

Where there are no signs of Anaphylaxis
present the painful reaction to the sting
can be alleviated by using a natural
remedy. If you have a pigface groundcover
" Carpobrotus glaucescens also known as 
Pigface or Angular Pigface which is a
member of the Family Aizoaceae. " 
growing nearby simply take a couple of
leaves and squeeze the juice from the
leaves on the stung area. Rub in gently
and you will notice an almost immediate
pain relief.
This natural remedy is only good if you
apply it almost immediately.

Reference.  Carpobrotus glaucescens Australian Government Australian National Botanic Gardens. 
http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2005/carpobrotus-glaucescens.html Accessed 04/01/2011 

Western Australia.
There are also at least two other species of jumper ants known to cause
anaphylaxis in Western Australia, including M. ludlowi.
A study of bull dog ant and jumper ant stings around Perth, Western
Australia has found that one particular bulldog ant, Myrmecia gratiosa (5), is
responsible for most cases of life-threatening allergic
reaction (anaphylaxis) to ant sting. Around Perth,
Myrmecia gratiosa was the only species of stinging ant
found around the locations where reactions had
occurred, even though around 10 different species are
known to be found in the region. Venom immunotherapy
(desensitization) has been shown to be highly effective.(6)

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Other types of ants that can cause an anaphylactic reaction include

greenhead ants – Rhytidoponera metallica – and the imported fire ant,
Solenopsis invicta Buren, both found in Queensland.

  The Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren)

The invasive Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) is well
established at two locations in the Brisbane area located in Queensland
Australia.
The potential for anaphylactic events in Australia due to the Fire ant S.
invicta will be greater than for native ants because of its unusual venom,
its habit of forming super colonies in grassy areas, and its aggressive group
territorial defence, which can result in multiple stings.

The venom of S. invicta is unusual, being composed largely of alkaloids, but

also including four different proteins. These proteins, as well as the non-
protein components of the venom, are each individually capable of inducing
anaphylaxis.

The polygynous form of S. invicta often completely dominates areas where

it has invaded, forming interconnected super colonies. Coupled with grassy
areas as its preferred habitat, the probability of contact with humans is
high.

Aggressive pheromone-driven group defence of territory and the colony

results in a high probability of multiple stings.

Reference:  The Medical Journal of Australia   
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/176_11_030602/sol10016_fm.html#CACHBCGF"

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Source for cited articles and reference material:

(1) Map Source and map courtesy of: Australian Venom Research Unit, The University of Melbourne Australia 

http://www.avru.org/general/general_jumper.html  Accessed: 20th September 2010 

(2) Source: Media Release 8 February 2006 NEW RESEARCH INTO BULL DOG ANT DANGER Royal Hobart 

Hospital Research Foundation Annual Report 2007   Accessed 24th Sep 2009 

(3)
 Source: The fatal allergy  Maria Fletcher Yarlington, Tasmania 12.08.05 http://tasmaniatimes.com 
(4) Source: Uncorroborated statements from several local residents of one suspected jumper ant 

envenoming fatality in Monegeeta in the 1980´s 

(5)
 Myrmecia gratiosa Distribution data courtesy:   CSIRO, 2010. Ants Down Under, viewed 17 January 2010, 
(6) NEW RESEARCH INTO BULL DOG ANT DANGER   Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Media 

Release 8 February 2006  Accessed 17 January 2010 

Reference:   WCH Clinical Toxicology Resources The University of Adelaide Australia 

Reference:  Newsroom, University of Technology, Sydney http://www.newsroom.uts.edu.au/ 7 May 2001 

Reference:  Newsletter of Manly Council’s Bushland Reserves Summer 2003 — Manly’s Bushland News 3

Reference:  Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA May 2005 www.allergy.org.au 

Reference:  NSW HEALTH Snakebite and Spiderbite Clinical Management Guidelines 
Reference:  Stinging insect allergy / anaphylaxis http://www.allergycapital.com.au/Pages/GPSting.html 

Reference:  The Medical Journal of Australia 

http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/176_11_030602/sol10016_fm.html#CACHBCGF"

Reference:  The Austin Hospital. Melbourne Australia. website http://austin.org.au/ 

Reference:  Sutherland SK, Sutherland J. Venomous creatures of Australia: a field guide with notes on first 

aid. Oxford University Press: Melbourne; 1999.

Reference:  Sutherland SK, Hawdon GM, Winkel KD. First aid for snake bite in Australia: with notes on first aid 

for bites and stings by other Australian venomous creatures. The Australian Venom Research Unit: Parkville.

Reference:  CSIRO, 2010. Ants Down Under, viewed 17 January 2010, .

Reference:  Elliot, W.R. & Jones, D.L. (1982) Encyclopedia of Australian Plants Suitable for Cultivation, Vol 2 . 

pg: 466. Lothian Publishing Company, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland.

Australian Venomous Ants.  (13 pages)
by Romsey Australia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Australia License.

      

Revised January 2011