Talk:Jack jumper ant

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[edit] Antidote??

Unless I'm mistaken about how allergies work, there is no such thing as an antidote for something which provokes an allergic reaction, as is the case with bee/wasp/ant venom. If there was an antidote for bee stings, I think we all would have heard about it by now. Epinephrine is not an "antidote", it is a treatment, and apitherapy is not an "antidote" for stings, either. I find it pretty implausible that one can take ant venom and use it to make any sort of anti-venom, given the mode of action of insect venoms in general; they do NOT work like snake venoms. I am tempted to simply remove the statement, but will leave it in for now, and see if anyone can provide an explanation. If nothing is forthcoming, I'll return and delete it - no sense spreading more misinformation. Dyanega 23:25, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

I've done some research, have changed the text to reflect the reality of the situation, and given a citation. Immunotherapy is not the same an antivenom. Dyanega 23:50, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

I saw a episode on National Geographic Channel about these ants; a "Dr Simon Brown" was developing an anti-venom utilizing the ants' venom somehow. I guess it's not an antidote per say, but rather as the previous commentator said an form of immunotherapy.

[edit] How do they jump?

This article could use a sentence or two describing these ants' jumping motion. From reading the article, one cannot tell how far/high they jump, or in what manner. — Epastore 01:11, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

Although I have not conducted rigourous measurement, I would say they are able to spring 10-15cm. They seem to have very good eyesight, as I have noticed an immediate change in behaviour if I get within 20cm of one - they sway from side to side, suggesting they are using parallax to measure distance. It is to the loss of science that I have not hung around to see how accurate this measurement is!

I also want to point out that "Jumper Ants" matching the description of this article are found at Buderim Mountain on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, and Maleny on the Blackall Range inland of the Sunshine Coast. --202.155.162.163 (talk) 09:13, 10 December 2007 (UTC)