Paraponera clavata

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
Paraponera clavata- the famous "bullet ant"- is one of the largest ants in the world.

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
Paraponera clavata

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
A Paraponera clavata bullet ant worker carries a droplet of water between her mandibles.

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
The fearsome Paraponera clavata bullet ant is reputed to impart the most painful sting of any insect. This worker, however, was content to walk about on my hand without showing any aggression.

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
Paraponera clavata- the famous "bullet ant"- is one of the largest ants in the world.

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
A Paraponera clavata bullet ant worker carries a droplet of water between her mandibles.

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
A Paraponera clavata bullet ant worker carries a droplet of water between her mandibles.

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
A Paraponera clavata bullet ant worker carries a droplet of water between her mandibles.

Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013