Meat ant chemical

[swarr51]

The meat ant "Dolichoderinae" Releases a chemical when it stings. I was wondering what the name of this chemical is and if any other animal releases the same chemical.  I was bitten in Australia and had an allergic reaction and am wondering what caused it and if  I might be allergic to any other animal?  

[Marvin84]

Swarr51..... don't mess with our ants - they're vicious little *******!!!! :-)  I have looked at the various local gov agencies such as the CSIRO and the Australian Musuem. They all acknowledge that the meat ant bites, but no mention of any harmful chemical.

They did say that the meat ant usually only bites to ward you off, and the bite may've created an allergic response (bit of swelling and itching for a day or so) - most of us here have had this at some stage or another... Hope that this helps a little! :-)

 

The only thing that I can say is that unless you sat on the nest and were bitten repeatedly - you'll be fine

[Paddymanc]

I Have always understood ants to use formic acid as there prefered poison...I am not familiar with that species but that would be my guess...

[graemer]

Hey Marvin, I'm in Sydney and I've not heard of a meat ant before so they musn't be too scary...I hope. Sorry you had the rotten luck swarr51

[Marvin84]

graemer... it looks remarkably like a bullant.... it's the most poplular ant apparently.... they must be very social :-)