Bulldog ants may look helpless but they are dangerous insects. Ants are very hardworking and industrious insects. They mind their own business without disturbing you. Some people don’t even bother their bite. But there is a difference between the normal ants and bulldog ants. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about them. We have gathered important facts about bulldog ants.

Different Names

Unlike other ants there are many names of bulldog ants. Their scientific name is Myrmecia. The common names of bulldog ants are bull ants, sergeant ants, inch ants and jumper ants.

Who gave the name Myrmecia?

Johan Christian Fabricius, a Danish Entomologist, categorized bull ants as Myrmecia in 1804.

Why are they called Jumper ants?

Bulldog ants are larger than normal ants and that’s why they are called bull ants. They are more aggressive as compared to other ants. Don’t even dare to damage their nest as they can jump at you.

Size of Bulldog Ants

The smallest bulldog ant can have a size of 15 mm. While the larger bulldog ants can attain 40 mm in length.

Where are they Found?

Bulldog ants are mainly found in Australian forests, grasslands and coastal areas. A single nest gives rise to huge colonies. The best places to find them are rotten logs, old tree stumps etc.

Vision

Normally, ants can see an object clearly from a limited distance. But bulldog ants are exceptional in this case. They can see an object from a distance of one meter.

Venomous Stings

The large stings of bulldog ants are highly venomous. Mainly the stings are used to paralyze the prey. In humans, a bulldog bite can lead to severe pain that can last for several days. Apart from allergic reactions, multiple bites can cause anaphylactic shock in humans.

Most Dangerous Ants in the World

Guinness Book of World Record for most dangerous ants in the world is awarded to bulldog ants. Unlike other ants they are not afraid of humans, in fact, they attack on them aggressively. Since 1936, three deaths have been caused by bull ants.

Queens of the Colony

Queens of the colony of bulldog ants can survive for several years. But, unfortunately, that’s not the case with other members of the colony who live for 10 weeks only.

Scent Trials

Usually, ants leave scent trails for their fellow members. It is also the communication method for ants. However, this is not the case with bull ants.

Workers and Soldiers

In every colony of ants there are workers, soldiers and a queen. Female bull ants are workers because they build the nest while Male bull ants are soldiers who protect the nest. All the members of the colony work individually. The queen of the colony brings her own food.  

Bulldog ants’ genus are not confined to Australia. The fossils found in Europe and America indicate that they dwelled in these areas hundreds of years ago. But now they are present only in Australia. Share these facts about Bulldog ants and let them know about these amazing creatures.