Jack Jumper Ant

About

The ant has black body with yellow jaws and yellow tips of legs and can move in a series of rapid jumps. Their nest in the ground usually has a mound of soil around the entrance. They feed on sweet secretions from plants and sap-sucking insects

They do not bite, but rather grasp the victim in their jaws, then bend around and sting them (their sting is in the tail)

Allergic reactions may occur to stings

The stings, like those of bees and wasps, are very painful. Local swelling is very common. 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 anaphylaxis.

Size

Worker body up to 1 cm long

Habitat

Open habitats, nesting in bushland, woodlands, and dry open forests, surrounded by gravel and sandy soil.
Locally a very common ant species

Distribution

South-eastern and south-western mainland Australia and Tasmania

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

📷 wildroo 📷 anthonypaul 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

1. Wikipedia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)