The jack jumper ant (Myrmecia pilosula), also known as the jack jumper, jumping jack, hopper ant, or jumper ant, is a species of venomous ant native to Australia. … See more

Like its relatives, the ant possesses a powerful sting and large mandibles. These ants can be black or blackish-red in colour, and may have yellow or orange legs. The ant is medium … See more

The jack jumper ant genome is contained on a single pair of chromosomes (males have just one chromosome, as they are haploid). This is the lowest number known (indeed possible) for any animal, a number shared with the parasitic roundworm Parascaris equorum … See more

The specific name derives from the Latin word pilosa, meaning 'covered with soft hair'. The ant was first identified in 1858 by British entomologist … See more

Primarily diurnal, workers search for food during the day until dusk. They are active during warmer months, but are dormant during winter. Fights … See more

History
The earliest known account of ant sting fatalities in Australia was first recorded in 1931; two adults and … See more

• Ant stings
• Ants of medical importance
• List of ants of Australia
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