Myrmecia pilosula Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta SubClass: Hymenopteroidea Genus: Myrmecia Species: pilosula Common Names Jumper ant , Jack jumper Region Australia Countries Australia   Taxonomy and Biology Description Moderate to large ant, total body length about 13 mm, well developed mandibles, sting in abdomen. Species Map Small (Approx 20k) version   Venom General: Venom Neurotoxins Not present General: Venom Myotoxins Not present General: Venom Procoagulants Not present General: Venom Anticoagulants Not present General: Venom Haemorrhagins Not present General: Venom Nephrotoxins Not present General: Venom Cardiotoxins Not present General: Venom Necrotoxins Probably not present General: Venom Other Histamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, amino acids, oligopeptides, phospholipids, carbohydrates, melittin, apamin, mast cell degranulating peptide, secapin, tertiapin, protease inhibitor, procamine A&B, phospholipase A&B, hyaluronidases, acid phosphomonoesterase, alpha-D-glucosidase   Clinical Effects General: Dangerousness Severe envenoming only possible with high numbers of stings, at least >50. In adults usually requires >300 stings. General: Rate of Envenoming: All stings cause local envenoming General: Untreated Lethality Rate: Except in individuals with severe sensitivity to the venom, lethality rate is almost zero in single or small numbers of stings. General: Local Effects Local pain & swelling, sometimes local blistering, rarely ulceration General: Local Necrosis Rare, localised only General: General Systemic Effects General systemic effects unlikely, except with severe allergy or high numbers of stings General: Neurotoxic Paralysis Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence General: Myotoxicity Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence General: Coagulopathy & Haemorrhages Very rare, associated with either anaphylactic shock and secondary DIC, or direct venom toxicity from large numbers of stings, again secondary shock and DIC. General: Renal Damage Rare, secondary effect of anaphylactic shock or direct venom toxicity from large numbers of stings General: Cardiotoxicity Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence General: Other Rarely haemolysis, following massive envenoming by large numbers of stings   First Aid Description: First aid for Ant Stings (Australian stinging ants; inch ants, jumping ants, jack jumper ant) Details 1. Apply a cold pack to the sting area. 2. If the patient develops generalised rash, difficulty breathing or becomes faint or collapses, urgent treatment is required, as this is an acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the venom. If there is any impairment of vital functions, such as problems with respiration, airway, circulation, heart function, these must be supported as a priority. In particular, both airway and respiration may be impaired, requiring urgent and prolonged treatment, which may include the mouth to mask (mouth to mouth) technique of expired air transfer. Seek urgent medical attention. 3. If the victim is already known to have an allergy to insect venom (bee or wasp), they are at risk of a major allergic reaction. At the first sign of such a reaction, if available, administer epinephrine (adrenaline, "epipen") as instructed on the medication. If the reaction includes airway constriction (asthma) and a "ventolin" puffer is available, use it. Seek urgent medical attention.   Treatment Treatment Summary Australian jumper & inch ants can sting as well as bite. The sting causes local pain, swelling, sometimes infection and ulceration, but not systemic envenoming. Key Diagnostic Features Local pain, swelling; in allergic cases, potentially anaphylaxis General Approach to Management Most cases will develop local effects only, predominantly pain & swelling, requiring local treatment. A few patients develop major allergy and may present with systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, requiring full resuscitation. All cases developing even mild systemic allergic reactions should be referred to an immunologist allergist for advice, determination of allergic risk and provision of emergency training and adrenaline. Antivenom Therapy No antivenom available Antivenoms No Antivenoms   Images Myrmecia pilosula (Jumper ant, jack jumper) [ Original photo copyright © Dr Julian White ] Click here for larger version