Paraponera — bullet ants
Bullet ants from the American tropics: among the largest ants in the world, with the most painful known insect sting.
About the genus
The genus Paraponera has a single living species, Paraponera clavata. The ants nest in soil at the base of trees and forage in the canopy. Their sting is described as the most painful of any insect.
Care
- Conditions: 22–28 °C and high humidity of 70–90%, no hibernation.
- Food: insects and sugars.
- Difficulty: for very experienced keepers only.
Safety
The sting causes extremely severe pain lasting for hours. Use long forceps only, and keep the farm locked and out of reach of children and pets. This species is not for people allergic to bee or wasp stings.