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Paraponera clavata
Paraponera is a genus of ant consisting of a single species, commonly known as the lesser giant hunting ant, conga ant, or bullet ant (Paraponera clavata), named on account of its powerful and potent sting. It inhabits humid lowland rainforests from Nicaragua and the extreme east of Honduras south to Paraguay. The bullet ant is called "Hormiga Veinticuatro" or "24 (hour) ant" by the locals, referring to the 24 hours of pain that follow being stung. The species epithet clavata means "club shaped".
Photographed moments after a member of our party was stung on the foot. Fortunately, she was able to push through and continue our time birding that day.
Spotted on Nov 28, 2011
Submitted on Apr 8, 2013
1 Comment
Yikes! Not a creature I'd like to meet. Good thing it wasn't a nest or swarm of them she came in contact with...