Well I'm camped on a farm on the west side of Kangaroo Island. Many Kangaroos, lots of wallabies, many, many different birds, and lots and lots of big ants. Some big nests just a few meters away from the van. So far they have left us alone, and we do if possible leave them alone, apart from running over some or standing on one or two.
However there are also these really big buggers, there was a nest close to the van which we cured, it was them or us. But there are a couple of big Bull Ant nests within 50 meters of us and those are what I have found probably many others. Did a bit of reading about them.
Did you know, according to the Guineas book of records, bull ants are the most toxic insect in the world.
Did you know that if you are allergic to their stings, you may be dead in 20 minutes, without anti-histomie or similar. e.g. epi-pen treatment.
Surveys done in Tasmainia say that 3% of the population are allergic to their stings, but only 1.2% are allergic to bee stings.
People have died from their stings, so be aware.
They have very good eye sight, and in defending their nest will chase the intruder some distance.
They also have because they are an ancient type of ant lots of other quirky things about them.
So stay away from them at all times.
-- Edited by iana on Wednesday 27th of February 2019 08:09:20 AM
Well I'm camped on a farm on the west side of Kangaroo Island. Many Kangaroos, lots of wallabies, many, many different birds, and lots and lots of big ants. Some big nests just a few meters away from the van. So far they have left us alone, and we do if possible leave them alone, apart from running over some or standing on one or two.However there are also these really big buggers, there was a nest close to the van which we cured, it was them or us. But there are a couple of big Bull Ant nests within 50 meters of us and those are what I have found probably many others. Did a bit of reading about them.Did you know, according to the Guineas book of records, bull ants are the most toxic insect in the world.Did you know that if you are allergic to their stings, you may be dead in 20 minutes, without anti-histomie or similar. e.g. epi-pen treatment.Surveys done in Tasmainia say that 3% of the population are allergic to their stings, but only 1.2% are allergic to bee stings.People have died from their stings, so be aware.They have very good eye sight, and in defending their nest will chase the intruder some distance.They also have because they are an ancient type of ant lots of other quirky things about them.So stay away from them at all times.
-- Edited by iana on Wednesday 27th of February 2019 08:09:20 AM
Thanks Ian,for that very useful information. Something else for us to keep an eye out for in our travels!Cheers
These bull ants were very prolific on our farming property in SW WA. They are very aggresive if stirred up but were content to leave you alone if you dont disturb their nest.
Only ever got bitten when it was my own fault as a kid. Think I would do the same if somone started knocking down my front door.
They are fascinating to watch going about their daily business. Used to sit down to have lunch in the paddock to watch them.
A cracking good read / listen on the topic of Stinging Creature. There is a scale of stinginess called tge Schmidt Scale. I got bitten by something savage last week but couldnt catch the little blighter to rate my ouch.
"Sting of the Wild"
https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/title/sting-wild
I have been bitten twice in my lifetime - once when I was about 13 on one of the toes on my left foot.
The second time I was in Mildura sitting on the banks of the Murray. Wearing shorts it got me on the back of my right leg.
They hurt! Worse than a bee sting! Luckily, because of the first time I knew I wasn't allergic to the stings so didn't require any medical treatment.
Anyway, as said they have good eyesight. If you go near their nest a guard or two will come out. You can watch their heads follow you as you move from side to side.
Also, they will actually advance towards you if you get too close.
Fortunately for us humans, their nests only seem to have several hundred ants, not thousands or we would be over run with them.
Ok Tony here is more, did you know that the larvae are carnivours, but the adults are nector / sugar eaters, the queen comes out at night and feeds on plant nector off leaves etc. The female workers lay eggs, which are used as food for the colony.
Ok Tony here is more, did you know that the larvae are carnivours, but the adults are nector / sugar eaters, the queen comes out at night and feeds on plant nector off leaves etc. The female workers lay eggs, which are used as food for the colony.
Well, I know it now, because Ian told me 
