Myrmecia is a genus of ants first established by Danish zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius in 1804. The genus is a member of the subfamily Myrmeciinae of the family Formicidae. Myrmecia is a large genus of ants, comprising at least 93 species that are found throughout Australia and its coastal islands, while a single species is only known from New Caledonia. One species has been introduced out of its natural distribution and was found in New Zealand in 1940, but the ant was last seen in 1981. These ants are commonly known as bull ants, bulldog ants or jack jumper ants, and are also associated with many other common names. They are characterized by their extreme aggressiveness, ferocity, and painful stings. Some species are known for the jumping behavior they exhibit when agitated.
Myrmecia inquilina is a species of ant endemic to Australia in the subfamily Myrmeciinae, first discovered in 1955 and described by Athol Douglas and William Brown Jr. in 1959. These ants are large, measuring 21.4 millimetres (0.84 in). During the time of its discovery, Douglas and Brown announced M. inquilina as the first social parasite among the primitive subfamilies, and today it is one of the two known Myrmecia species to have no worker caste. Two host species are known, Myrmecia nigriceps and Myrmecia vindex. Aggression between M. inquilina and its host species does not occur, and colonies may only produce M. inquilina brood months after the inquiline queens begin to lay their eggs. Queens eat the colony brood or trophic eggs, and other Myrmecia species may kill M. inquilina queens if they reject them. Due to its restricted distribution and threats to its habitat, the ant is "vulnerable" according to the IUCN Red List.
Myrmecia pyriformis, also known as the bull ant or inch ant, is an Australian ant. Myrmecia pyriformis belongs to the genus Myrmecia. It is abundant in many major cities of Australia, but mostly spotted in the eastern states. The species is of a similar appearance to the Myrmecia forficata.
Myrmecia nigrocincta, commonly known as the jumper ant or jumping jack, is an ant of the genus Myrmecia. The species was first described by Frederick Smith in 1858. Colonies of this ant are abundant in eastern Australia. Ants of this species are known for their ability to jump up to 10 centimetres, and they also have a powerful, venomous sting. Rather than foraging on the ground, M. nigrocincta prefer to forage in trees where they are known to pollinate certain flowers.
Myrmecia gratiosa is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. Native to Australia, this species is mainly found in Western Australia. During a study in Perth, it was realised that Myrmecia gratiosa was located in all locations where reactions in patients occurred. This concludes the species was responsible for ant sting anaphylaxis around Perth.
Myrmecia hilli is an ant species native to Australia. It belongs to the genus of Myrmecia, and described by John S. Clark in 1943. Specimens observed were mainly found in the Northern Territory.
Myrmecia callima is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is endemic to Australia. Myrmecia callima is typically distributed in the more western regions of Australia.
Myrmecia pulchra is an Australian bull ant species, a part of the genus Myrmecia. They are native to Australia. They are heavily distributed in Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, and New South Wales, notably around the coastlines.
Myrmecia gilberti is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. This species is distributed throughout all of the eastern states and regions of Australia.
Myrmecia elegans is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. It is a native species to Australia. The Myrmecia elegans is distributed in the more western states and regions of the country.
Myrmecia chasei is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. The Myrmecia chasei has a large presence and distribution in the south-eastern areas of Western Australia.
Myrmecia fulgida is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. Their distribution mostly in Western Australia and some areas of the east of Australia.
Myrmecia testaceipes is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. The distribution of Myrmecia testaceipes is throughout all of the southern states of Australia. It was described as a species by John S. Clark in 1943.
Myrmecia cydista is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is endemic to Australia. They are typically distributed in New South Wales and Queensland, and have been seen in several other states.
Myrmecia fuscipes is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. Their distribution is heavily observed in South Australia and Western Australia.
Myrmecia occidentalis is a species of ant. It belongs to the genus Myrmecia and was described by John S. Clark in 1943. Native to Australia, Myrmecia occidentalis is mainly distributed in the state of Western Australia.
Myrmecia formosa is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. Their distribution in Australia has notably been studied and collected in New South Wales.
Myrmecia exigua is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. Myrmecia exigua has only been observed in the north west of Victoria. It was first described by John S. Clark in 1943.
