The bullet ant is known for delivering one of the most painful insect stings.
The bullet ant, Paraponera clavata, lives in lowland rainforests of Central and South America. Its common name comes from the intense pain reported after its sting, which is often compared with being shot. The pain can last for many hours, although the sting is not normally fatal to healthy adults.
Bullet ants use their powerful sting for defense. Colonies are usually built near the base of trees, and workers forage through the forest for nectar, small animals and other food. The species is also known as the conga ant in some regions.
Pain rankings such as the Schmidt sting pain index are subjective rather than laboratory measurements of venom toxicity. A painful sting does not mean the insect has the most dangerous venom. The bullet ant’s reputation concerns pain intensity and duration.