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Harpegnathos saltator
I found this Jerdon's jumping ant on tree. It had a Picture - winged fly in its mandibles. When I approached it for a picture it leaped onto the ground from a height of approx 5 feet and started getting away from me with quick successive leaps. It then hid under a dry leaf. I carefully lifted the leaf and quickly photographed it before it started moving again. :-) I knew the exact location of its nest which was about 50 feet away. Followed it half way when a Black -Naped Monarch Flycatcher male distracted me and I lost track of the ant. I have seen these ants single-handedly taking on relatively large insects like grasshoppers and dragging them back to their nests . Their have a very painful sting. You better avoid getting stung from this mighty powerful ant. :-)
Backyard Agriculture
5 Comments
Thanks guys... :-)
Lauren: Thanks for the link. Truly remarkable mandibles...
I have seen this ant leap 10 cm forward and seize a small cricket in its mandibles. It all happened in an instant.
Looking forward to seeing this ant catch a fly in the air.. :-D
The mandibles are remarkable! Tic has a close-up of Harpegnathos venator (http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/324...) showing those amazing mandibles. Have you ever seen one leap into the air to catch a flying prey?
Remarkable picture! Love it! Great job!
Love your information and picture!
Beautiful pic!