Updated August 2026
Jack Jumper Ants (Myrmecia pilosula)
- Also known as jumper ant or hopper ant
- A type of stinging ant from the genus Myrmecia
- Leading cause of ant anaphylaxis in Australia
- Mostly found in Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales (Snowy Mountains, Blue Mountains and coastal regions), and down the eastern side of Australia
- Usually 10–12mm long, black body with orange–yellow mandibles, and move with short jerks and jumps
- Aggressive, active during the day, most active in warmer months
- They are found in the bush, grasslands, and rural areas, and are less common in urban areas. Jack Jumper Ant nests are mainly built underground in sandy or gravelly soil. They are usually surrounded by a distinct mound made of excavated fine dirt or small stones, often hidden near rocks or logs
- Jack Jumper Ants do not bite. They use their jaws to hold the person and bend and sting them with their tail
Other types of stinging ants include
Inch/bulldog ants
Large (20-30mm), less aggressive, nocturnal .
Greenhead ant
Red imported fire ant
Small (2-6mm), copper brown coloured, darker abdomen, aggressive, invasive species. Leading cause of ant anaphylaxis in Americas, now found in Queensland and NSW.
How to Prevent Jack Jumper Ant Stings:
- Avoid walking around barefoot outdoors
- Wear long pants, boots and gloves when gardening and in the bush, although Jack Jumper Ants can still sting through heavy clothes
- Jack Jumper Ants can be difficult to avoid as they can be found a long way from their nests
Jack Jumper Ant Allergy
An insect allergy is when a person develops symptoms of an allergic reaction after they have been stung by an insect, including Jack Jumper Ants.
The sting of Jack Jumper Ants can be very painful, and local swellings are common.
Deaths from Jack Jumper Ant stings due to anaphylaxis have occurred in Australia.
In areas where Jack Jumper Ants live, 2-3% of people have had generalised allergic reactions to Jack Jumper Ant stings.
Follow up studies have shown that around 70% of people with Jack Jumper Ant allergy will have another allergic reaction if they are stung again.
If you have been prescribed an adrenaline device for your Jack Jumper Ant allergy, always have your adrenaline device(s) and ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis with you.
- If you are travelling to a remote area, plan ahead
- Consider having multiple adrenaline devices if you are in a remote area
- Do not travel alone
- Carry a mobile or satellite phone/beacon to call for assistance if stung
After an insect sting or bite, monitor for signs of an allergic reaction
An allergic reaction may start with mild or moderate symptoms but can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis. However, it is important to remember that signs of a mild or moderate allergic reaction may not always occur before anaphylaxis.
Mild to moderate allergic reactions:
- Large Local Reaction: Itchy red rash and swelling around the site of the insect sting
- Generalised: itchy hives (urticaria) all over body without signs of anaphylaxis
Treatment for mild-moderate reactions:
- Cold packs can help reduce itch and swelling
- Oral non-sedating antihistamines can also be helpful
- Mild to moderate allergic reactions usually settle within a few days
Severe allergic reaction to insect sting (Anaphylaxis)
- Difficulty or noisy breathing
- Swelling of the tongue
- Swelling or tightness in throat
- Wheeze or persistent coughing
- Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
- Persistent dizziness or collapse
- Pale and floppy (young children)
- Abdominal pain or vomiting
Abdominal pain or vomiting is a sign of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) if caused by an insect sting.
Abdominal pain or vomiting is a sign of a mild to moderate allergic reaction (not anaphylaxis) when caused by a food allergy.
Anaphylaxis should be treated promptly with an adrenaline device and call triple zero (000) for ambulance.
The person may need to be moved to safety away from the insects. Anyone having anaphylaxis should not stand or walk, but the priority is to move the person to safety. Do your best to keep the person as flat as possible.
What to do after you have recovered from an insect sting allergic reaction?
People who have experienced a large local allergic reaction to an insect sting have a low likelihood of developing anaphylaxis with subsequent stings.
If you have experienced generalised hives or anaphylaxis after an insect sting then you should be referred to an allergy specialist. This is because there is a higher risk of subsequent anaphylaxis to a sting from that insect, and venom immunotherapy treatment may be warranted. People who had anaphylaxis will be prescribed an adrenaline device(s) and given an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.
What is venom immunotherapy (VIT)?
Venom immunotherapy, also known as desensitisation, can help to switch off allergy over time and this is an effective treatment for allergies to bee, wasp and Jack Jumper Ant stings. The duration of treatment is usually at least three to five years and involves regular injections under the skin.
Venom immunotherapy can reduce risk of anaphylaxis to future insect stings and may be indicated if you have had previous anaphylaxis to insect stings or if you are an adult who has experienced a generalised urticarial reaction to an insect sting. An allergy specialist can determine whether VIT is indicated and oversee treatment.
Read about insect allergy
Find out about insect allergies, triggers, diagnosis, treatment and more.
Insect allergy management and treatment
If you are diagnosed with insect allergy, here are some tips to reduce risk of insect stings and bites and how to treat them.
What is anaphylaxis?
Related information
Understanding allergy care
Learn about allergy care, seeing an allergy specialist, the Australian health system, treatment options and more.
Developed as part of the Shared Care for Allergy Project, in collaboration with the National Allergy Council through funding from the Australian Government, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
