Myrmecia sp., pilosula-group

Jack jumper at Queanbeyan West, NSW

Myrmecia sp., pilosula-group at Queanbeyan West, NSW - 5 Apr 2020
Myrmecia sp., pilosula-group at Queanbeyan West, NSW - 5 Apr 2020
Myrmecia sp., pilosula-group at Queanbeyan West, NSW - 5 Apr 2020
Myrmecia sp., pilosula-group at Queanbeyan West, NSW - 5 Apr 2020
Myrmecia sp., pilosula-group at Queanbeyan West, NSW - 5 Apr 2020
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Identification history

Myrmecia sp., pilosula-group 6 Apr 2020 JonLewis
Myrmecia pilosula 5 Apr 2020 Speedsta
Unidentified 5 Apr 2020 Speedsta

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User's notes

These guys were vicious, upon using the pincers to grab hold, it seems it was then using its abdomen to sting, but I don't know if it had a stinger.

1 comment

JonLewis wrote:
   6 Apr 2020
Hi Speedsta, your ID is good, but there is a group of similar closely-related species which are hard to tell apart, so for CNM purposes we call them all "Myrmecia pilosula species group". And yes, they really do have a sting - a big one. All the Myrmecia are very well equipped in that department and are regarded as relatively dangerous insects because their sting can occasionally produce anaphylactic shock which can lead to death. So you would have to be very very unlucky, but it's certainly worth being careful when trying to photograph! Cheers, Jon

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Nearby sightings

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 16 - 100 Abundance
  • 5 Apr 2020 02:55 PM Recorded on
  • Speedsta Recorded by

Additional information

  • 25mm to 50mm Animal size
  • Female Gender

Species information

Record quality

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  • More than one media file
  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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