trap-jaw ant

Description:

Odontomachus sp., commonly known as trap-jaw ants, have large, straight mandibles often locked open at 180 degrees. These jaws can snap shut on prey or objects when sensory hairs on the inside of the mandibles are touched, closing powerfully and fast. "The mandibles either kill or maim the prey, allowing the ant to bring it back to the nest. Odontomachus can simply lock and snap its jaws again if one bite is not enough, or to cut off bits of larger food. The mandibles also permit slow and fine movements for other tasks such as nest building and care of larvae." Interestingly "trap-jaw ants are normally thought of as predators, but they also tend honeydew-producing insects."

Habitat:

Observed on a leaf of a betel nut tree (Areca catechu) in a large semi-urban yard & garden adjacent to a disturbed remnant patch of lowland forest.

Notes:

These ants were seen on the underside of the leaf apparently tending white (scale) insects. See 2nd reference.