| Myrmecia nigrocincta | |
|---|---|
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| Close up head detail of M. nigrocincta | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Myrmeciinae |
| Genus: | Myrmecia |
| Species: | M. nigrocincta
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| Binomial name | |
| Myrmecia nigrocincta | |
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| M. nigrocincta is mainly endemic to the eastern coasts of Australia. | |
Myrmecia nigrocincta, commonly known as the jumper ant or jumping jack, is an ant of the genus Myrmecia. The species was first described by Frederick Smith in 1858. Colonies of this ant are abundant in eastern Australia.[2][3] Ants of this species are known for their ability to jump up to 10 centimetres, and they also have a powerful, venomous sting. Rather than foraging on the ground, M. nigrocincta prefer to forage in trees where they are known to pollinate certain flowers.
This ant is a large species, some workers can grow to over 15 mm (0.6 in) in length. They have a distinctive pattern of orange-red and black which distinguishes them from other Myrmecia species. M. nigrocincta possess the gamergates gene which allows workers to reproduce, either in the presence of a queen or in a colony where the queen is missing. Life expectancy of a worker ant is over one year. They are aggressive when attacking intruders.
- ^ "Myrmecia nigrocincta (Smith, 1858)". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
- ^ "Myrmecia nigrocincta Smith, 1858". Atlas of Living Australia. Government of Australia. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
- ^ Chew, Peter. "Jumper Ant - Myrmecia nigrocincta". Brisbane Insects and Spiders. Brisbane Insects. Retrieved 9 March 2014.