Scientific Name: Myrmecia pilosula
Common Name: Jumping Jack Ant
Size: Workers: 10–14mm | Queens: 14–16mm
Lifespan: Queens ~10+ years, Workers ~1 year
Colony Type: Monogynous (Single Queen)
Foraging Activity: Diurnal (Active During the Day)
Natural Habitat: Open forests, woodlands, and grasslands across Australia
Nuptial Flight Season: Spring to early summer (October–December)
Hibernation: No true hibernation; reduced activity in cooler months
Founding Type: Semi-claustral – Queen requires feeding during the founding stage
1. Introduction to Jumping Jack Ants
The Jumping Jack Ant (Myrmecia pilosula) is one of Australia’s most iconic native ants. They are famous for their powerful sting, aggressive behavior, and ability to jump several centimeters in the air when startled—hence the name!
Unlike many ants, Jumping Jacks rely more on vision than pheromone trails, making them exceptional hunters. Their large, highly active colonies and striking black-and-orange coloration make them a fascinating species for experienced ant keepers.
⚠️ Warning: These ants have one of the most potent venoms in the world, and their sting can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in sensitive individuals. They are not recommended for beginner keepers.
2. Natural Habitat and Distribution
Jumping Jack Ants are widely distributed across southern and eastern Australia. You’ll find them in:
🌳 Forests & Woodlands – Nesting at the base of trees, under logs.
🏜 Grasslands & Bushlands – Preferring dry, open areas with sandy soil.
🏡 Urban Areas – Occasionally found in gardens and nature reserves.
Nesting Preferences
🐜 Subterranean Burrows – Deep nests with multiple chambers.
🐜 Loose, Sandy Soil – Preferred for easy excavation.
🐜 Open Sun-Exposed Areas – Avoids shaded, wet locations.
🔗 How to Find Queen Ants in Australia
3. Nuptial Flights – When and Where to Catch a Queen
Catching a Jumping Jack queen requires quick reflexes and a good eye, as they are fast-moving and alert!
When Do Jumping Jacks Have Nuptial Flights?
📅 Peak Season: Spring to early summer (October–December)
🌡 Weather Conditions: Warm, humid days following rainfall
🕑 Time of Day: Late afternoon to early evening (4 PM – 8 PM)
How to Identify a Queen Jumping Jack Ant
✅ Larger Size – Around 14–16mm, much bigger than workers.
✅ Thicker Thorax – Bulkier due to flight muscles.
✅ Fast-Moving & Solitary – Newly mated queens run quickly across open ground.
🔗 What to Do with a Queen Ant After Capture
4. Founding Stage – Test Tube Setup
Unlike fully claustral queens, Jumping Jack Ant queens are semi-claustral, meaning they must eat during the founding stage.
Test Tube Setup for a Queen Jumping Jack Ant
🧪 Test Tube Size: 20mm+ diameter, glass or plastic.
💧 Water Reservoir: One-third full, sealed with cotton.
🛑 Cotton Plug: Allows airflow while preventing escapes.
🍯 Feeding Needs: Offer small insects or honey water every few days.
🌡 Storage Conditions: Keep dark and undisturbed at 24–28°C.
When to Move to a Nest
🏠 Wait until the colony has at least 15–20 workers before transferring to a formicarium.
🔗 The Perfect Test Tube Setup for Queen Ants
5. Housing & Nesting Requirements
Jumping Jack Ants need space and require a secure setup due to their aggression and ability to jump!
Best Nest Types for Jumping Jack Ants
🏠 Acrylic Nests – Great for visibility, but ensure deep chambers for their size.
🏠 3D-Printed Nests – Customizable and expandable.
🏠 Ytong (Aerated Concrete) Nests – Holds moisture well, preventing dehydration.
🏠 Large Naturalistic Setups – Ideal for long-term colony growth.
🚨 Warning: These ants jump and climb extremely well. Use PTFE barriers and tight-fitting lids to prevent escapes!
🔗 Moving Your Queen Ant to a Formicarium
6. Feeding Jumping Jack Ants
Jumping Jacks are active hunters and prefer live prey over sugary foods.
Best Foods for Jumping Jack Ants
🦗 Live Prey (Essential!): Crickets, mealworms, flies, small roaches.
🍯 Sugars (For Energy): Honey water, sugar water, fresh fruit.
🥩 Occasional Treats: Cooked chicken or fish (tiny pieces).
Feeding Frequency
✅ Feed protein every 2–3 days to support colony growth.
✅ Always provide a source of sugar water for energy.
🔗 The Ultimate Ant Feeding Guide
7. Seasonal Dormancy & Hibernation
Jumping Jack Ants do not fully hibernate but reduce activity in winter.
📅 Dormancy Period: May–August
🌡 Temperature: Keep at 18–20°C
🍽 Feeding: Reduce frequency, but always provide fresh water
8. Common Problems & Troubleshooting
Problem: Queen Isn’t Laying Eggs
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Too much disturbance – Check only once every 1-2 weeks.
- Temperature too low – Keep at 24–28°C.
- Queen is infertile – If she lays only male eggs, she didn’t mate properly.
🔗 How to Keep Your Ants Safe from Mites and Pests
Final Thoughts
Jumping Jack Ants (Myrmecia pilosula) are one of Australia’s most unique and aggressive species, offering high-energy activity and fascinating predatory behavior.
✅ Great for advanced keepers
❌ Not recommended for beginners due to venom potency
🐜 Would you keep Jumping Jack Ants? Let us know in the comments!
