Ants of medical importance

[1] However, only relatively few species can harm humans; among which some can cause significant injury or, in rare cases, death.

Like wasps, individual ants are capable of stinging multiple times as they do not lose their stingers.

The Red Imported Fire Ant S. invicta is the best studied among them, and reputed as the most dangerous species.

Fire ant stings are typically accompanied by burning and urticaria, followed by a welt formation.

It is not known for its sting, but has been involved in respiratory allergies[10] Bulldog ants, from the genus Myrmecia, are native to Australia, with all but one of the ninety or so species found on the continent.

[12] Driver ants, from the genus Dorylus, are found in the Old World, especially West Africa and the Congo Basin.