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Paraponera Clavate |
Paraponera clavata is a species of ant, commonly known as the bullet ant. It is one of South America’s most famous insects. The reason for this large ant’s near mythical status is its exceptionally powerful sting, which is said to be the most painful of any insect. Indeed, being stung by a bullet ant is likened to being shot – hence the ant’s English name.
In Paraguay, the bullet ant is called tocandira, which is an
indigenous word for ‘the one that wounds deeply’.
Where Does The Bullet Ant Live?
The Bullet Ant is found
in the hot, humid rainforests of Central and South America. Countries in which
the species is present include: Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Venezuela,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
The Bullet Ant Sting ~ The Most Painful Sting
The bullet ant is famed throughout the world for the
potency of its sting. When threatened, the ant emits a strong warning odor. If
the warning is ignored then the ant will attempt to use its sting.
The bullet ant’s stinger is located at the tip of its
abdomen. This pierces the victim’s body and injects it with a venom called
poneratoxin. The venom affects the victim’s nervous system.
According to the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, which ranks
insect stings by pain, the sting of the bullet ant is the most painful of all
the Hymenoptera (the group of insects that includes wasps, bees, and ants).
Find out more: http://www.activewild.com/bullet-ant-facts/
Find out more: http://www.activewild.com/bullet-ant-facts/