Jumping ants (Myrmecia nigrocincta) are very common in the Noosa Shire. They prefer Eucalypt forest with open spaces on the ground. Moving from the coast nests are rare to very common; they don’t like the sand at Sunshine beach, but are happy in Tewantin and prolific in Pomona.
Jumping ants don’t hibernate in the winter, they aren’t waking up. During the colder months they are much quieter and less likely to sting.
The sting from a jumping ant is very painful and the welt that quickly forms after a sting can itch for up to a week. The ant injects a venom and it causes an anaphylactic response in some people. For me, it feels like a drop of acid has been put on the skin and the itch is intense and painful.
Nests are easy to see and once disturbed the ants pour out to attack. They are very aggressive and will chase perceived threats. Their movement is erratic and they will jump between plants to defend the colony. After a big rain event the nest are damaged and often abandoned. If a nest is being built close to a house, using water could encourage the ants to move on.
Due to the pain caused by stings and possible anaphylactic response, its important to be able to identify nests and the ants. After the first sting we become very good at this!
The links below provide more information about Jumping ant and have some great photos.
Jumper Ant, Jumping Jack – Myrmecia nigrocincta (brisbaneinsects.com)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecia_nigrocincta
By Michelle Newall