Bull ants (Myrmecia spp) are large, alert ants that can grow up to 40 mm They have characteristic large eyes and long, slender mandibles and a potent venom-loaded sting. They have superior vision, able to track and even follow intruders from a distance of 1 metre. Many species of bull ants have bright red or orange colours on the head or abdomen.
There are about 90 species of bull ants in Australia with diverse behaviours and life cycles. Nine bull ant species have been recorded in Sydney, but there may be more as yet undiscovered. Some of the smaller species are known as jumper ants after their habit of aggressively jumping toward intruders.
These ants can deliver painful stings and are aggressive. An ice pack or commercially available spray may be used to relieve the pain of the sting. If there is evidence of an allergic reaction, medical attention should be sought.
This fellow came into the house and decided to have a drink from my watercolour water rinsing jug. He was promptly taken outside with no dramas.
This post is part of the Saturday Critters meme
It really hurts when bitten by them
ReplyDeleteEeeek!
ReplyDeleteI had some trouble with ants biting me last week so I'll stay away from this guy!
ReplyDelete