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.
The jack jumper ant, also known as the jack jumper, jumping jack, hopper ant, or jumper ant, is a species of venomous ant native to Australia. Most frequently found in Tasmania and southeast mainland Australia, it is a member of the genus Myrmecia, subfamily Myrmeciinae, and was formally described and named by British entomologist Frederick Smith in 1858. This species is known for its ability to jump long distances. These ants are large; workers and males are about the same size: 12 to 14 mm for workers, and 11 to 12 mm for males. The queen measures roughly 14 to 16 mm long and is similar in appearance to workers, whereas males are identifiable by their perceptibly smaller mandibles.
Podomyrma is a genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae.
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 fulvipes is a bull ant belonging the genus Myrmecia. Native to Australia, these bull ants are found in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Myrmecia flavicoma is an ant species native to Australia. This species is a member of the genus Myrmecia. It was first described in 1861 by Julius Roger. Myrmecia flavicoma is found in Queensland and some areas of New South Wales.
Myrmecia flammicollis is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. It is native to Australia. They are usually distributed in the north of Queensland. They were described by William Brown in 1953.
Myrmecia chrysogaster is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. They are distributed in Queensland and New South Wales.
Myrmecia midas is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. Myrmecia midas is distributed mainly along the coastlines of several eastern Australian states. It was first described by John S. Clark in 1951.
Myrmecia dimidiata is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. The Myrmecia dimidiata is distributed in the eastern states of Australia.
Myrmecia erecta is an Australian bull ant species, a part of the genus Myrmecia. They are endemic to Australia. They are mainly distributed in South Australia and the surrounding areas of the state.
Myrmecia luteiforceps is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. Their distribution in Australia has not been observed much but have been noted in New South Wales and Queensland. They were described by Wheeler in 1933.
Myrmecia ferruginea is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. The Myrmecia ferrguinea has been notably distributed in Queensland.
Myrmecia picticeps is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. This species is native to Australia. Myrmecia picticeps has mostly been studied and found in the state of Western Australia. It was described by John S. Clark in 1951.
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 tridentata is an Australian ant which belongs to the genus Myrmecia. It is native to Australia. They have been usually spotted in South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland. It was described by Kazuo Ogata and Robert Taylor in 1991.
Myrmecia maxima is an unidentifiable species of ant endemic to Australia. A member of the genus Myrmecia in the subfamily Myrmeciinae, M. maxima was first described by George Fletcher Moore in 1842. As no type specimen is available, M. maxima cannot be confidently identified, but the only description Moore had provided undoubtedly describes a large Myrmecia species, having long, sharp mandibles and a formidable sting. It is still classified as a valid species. The ant resides in the south-west regions of Western Australia. As other Myrmecia species have been identified in these regions, M. maxima is possibly a senior synonym of one of these ants. Its former name is recognised as an invalid name after it was suppressed under plenary powers in 1976.
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.
