Field Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates ...

small scar is left were the pustule formed. Itching associated with the broken pustules can be
managed through use of topical corticosteroids and systemic antihistamines. Hot showers and
baths can also relieve itching to a limited extent.
Figure 127. Mass numbers of fire ant bites. Photo: Murray S. Blum.
Figure 128. Fire ant bites showing the typical pustules that form several hours following the
sting. Photo: source unknown.
Harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.) are large ants noted for the circular cleared area around
their mounds. Harvester ants can inflict painful stings when they are handled, but they are
relatively gentle ants and generally do not become defensive unless provoked. Following the
sting of a harvester ant, pain may not occur for up to 30 seconds afterward, but the pain is
exrutiating and may last several hours. These ants are fairly common in the arid portions of the
United States and Mexico.
Figure 129. Red harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus). Photo: Dale Ward.
Figure 130. Harvester ant mound. Photo: David Bowles.
Many other kinds of ants are capable of stinging people, but he majority of these only cause local
reactions at worst. Occasionally, however, such stings may cause allergic reactions. For
example, the sting of the samsum ant, Pachycondyla sennaarensis, distributed in the Middle East
have caused serious systemic reactions in people. Pavement ants, Tetramorium caespitum, are
also known to sting people. This native European species was introduced to the United States
where it has become established in some urban areas. While T. caespitum can sting, this species
has difficulty piercing human skin. However, the sting it is characterized by temporary but
intense itching followed by the appearance of reddened spots and subsequent chronic itching