Bullet Ant

Paraponera clavata, commonly known as the bullet ant, is a species of ant known for its extremely painful sting. It inhabits humid lowland rainforests in Central and South America. Scientific Name: Paraponera clavata Range: Central & South American rainforests Size: Workers 18–30 mm Status: Native ID Notes: Large, reddish-black. Powerful mandibles. Conspicuous stinger. Behavior / Notes: Sting is the most painful of any insect (Schmidt Pain Index 4.0+). Featured in the Sateré-Mawé (Brazil) initiation ritual where boys wear gloves filled with bullet ants.