Subfamily Myrmeciinae
Myrmecia ants are native to Southeastern Australia and several species have been associated with allergic reactions and anaphylaxis (Figure 2). These can be commonly divided into “jumper” ants and “bulldog” ant groups. Myrmecia pilosula or “jack jumper ant” is by far the most common cause of severe allergic reactions; some surveys reported a prevalence at approximately 3% for systemic allergy estimated in local populations.28-30 They have a particularly painful sting and contain cytotoxic venom components (“pilosulins”) including some thought to directly release histamine.31 Also, unlike many ants using scent to forage, jack jumper ants use vision to hunt prey and are aggressive and will attack humans and other large animals, probably contributing to the high prevalence of allergic sensitivity and reactions. Jack jumper, with other “jumper” group ants, are estimated to make up two-thirds of ant-associated reaction in the continental Australian context.
The “bulldog” ant (Myrmecia pyriformis ) group, although still having a painful sting, are much less aggressive towards humans, probably making up approximately 15% of ant-associated allergic reactions.