The Ants of Ant-Man

The Ants of Ant-Man

Paraponera clavata

Bullet Ant
0.7-1.2 inches long

Can inflict a painful sting that causes throbbing, burning pain that can last up to 24 hours. Many describe the pain like being shot by a bullet, hence the common name, Bullet Ant.

Nest may have several hundred individuals.

Nylandia fulva

Crazy Ant

.125 inches long

Called the crazy ant because of its erratic movements.

Can protect itself from fire ant's venom by coating its body with formic acid.

Tend aphids for honeydew.

Unclear why they are attracted to electrical equipment. They can chew through insulation, which may cause short circuits. 

Camponotus spp.

Carpenter Ant

0.3-1.0 inches long

Camponotus includes over 1,000 species.

Build galleries in dead, damp wood. They do not eat the wood, however.

Have a main nest and build satellite nests around it.

Some look for food at night, searching for dead insects.

Solenopsis spp

Fire Ant

.08-.24 inches long

There are over 200 species of Solenopsis. Many of which are stinging ants.

Can be very aggressive and their sting feels like being burned by a fire.

Can survive extreme conditions.

If you are interested in learning more about these fascinating animals, be sure to visit alexanderwild.com for spectacular images of ants and other insects.