Stinging ants

Some species of ants possess a sting and venom gland in their tails, as well as powerful jaws. The ant bites with its jaws, then doubles up to inject venom via the sting. This usually results in local pain or itch with a weal or swelling at the injection site. Although only local problems typically result from envenomation, patients allergic to the venom may suffer life-threatening reactions. Stinging ants of the genus Myrmecia (jumper ants and bull ants) represent a hazard to humans in the southern states of Australia due to the relatively high proportion of the population (3-4% estimated from one study) with significant allergy to their venom. Purified venom for desensitization is currently unavailable, except for certain individuals in Tasmania treated at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Fire ants have become established in Brisbane so may also become a problem in Australia.

Fire ants These aggressive ant species can inflict a painful sting, injecting venom that causes a burning sensation and subsequent blistering. Mature nests may contain as many as 200,000 individuals. An individual ant can sting multiple times, and sting sites may develop pustules and secondary infection. As is the case with jumper ants and bull ants, some people may also suffer potentially life threatening allergic reactions to fire ant venom.

Fire ants have caused significant ecological and economic problems in areas where they have become established, such as the United States, South-East Asia and the Pacific slands of Guam and Okinawa. They often attack domestic animals and livestock and can destroy plants and crops. Two species of fire ants have been identified in Australia. The tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata, has become established in coastal areas of the Northern Territory, but has not as yet resulted in significant problems. In February 2001, the South American fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) was identified in southern Queensland, around Brisbane's south west.

The order Hymenoptera is a large insect order which contains two suborders, Apocrita (ants, bees and wasps) and Symphyta (sawflies). Each suborder is comprised of numerous families and species.