Australian Jumper Ant Myrmecia tarsata

Photo of Australian Jumper Ant (Myrmecia tarsata)

(c) Petra Holland, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderAnts, Bees, Wasps, and Sawflies (Hymenoptera)
FamilyAnts (Formicidae)
GenusBull Ants (Myrmecia)

Another entry in Australia's impressive roster of jumping bull ants, this species makes its home primarily in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. These impressive insects combine considerable size with aggressive attitude, and their jumping ability gives them an extra tactical advantage for hunting or rapid escape.

The bull ant name covers Australia's most fearsome ant group โ€” known for their venom, their size, and their willingness to use both when provoked. They're the kind of neighbor that earns respect through sheer force of personality.

Think you can identify this one in the wild?

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