WTF is this thing?

LupaWolf

LupaWolf

Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Messages
507
Hey Jeff, or anyone, can you identify this monster ant?
Found it, and then the nest, in the yard this morning. It is an inch long.
We see Central and South American critters from time to time... but this one I have seen only once and it was long ago.

BigAnt1.jpg



BigAnt1a.jpg
 
Not sure what exactly it is. Does it sting? Try it and see and let me know.
 
It could be a wingless wasp, otherwise known as a velvet ant or "cow-killer" ant. They can vary in color from brownish red to red and black.
lay it on a piece of paper and hold it down with a pencil, if its a wingless wasp you will see a stinger extend out of its butt by about 1/4".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutillidae
 
Atta sexdens rubropilosa is the scientific name.

The ant is called "sauva" in portuguese (Brazil). It is abundant in South America and is a leafcutter ant. The leaves are used as a base to grow a fungus (their real food).
The picture posted above shows a female (huge abdomen and wings) and is popularly known as Issah, Bitu or Tanajura.
It can bite, but does not have a sting. It is not aggressive though. The males can be aggressive when defending the colony.
It is edible. The abdomen is rich in lipids and protein (female carries eggs). The ants are collected by kids, then the abdomen is detached, fried and cooked with cassava flour. It is considered an unique dish in some parts of Brazil.
 
Muras said:
Atta sexdens rubropilosa is the scientific name.

The ant is called "sauva" in portuguese (Brazil). It is abundant in South America and is a leafcutter ant. The leaves are used as a base to grow a fungus (their real food).
The picture posted above shows a female (huge abdomen and wings) and is popularly known as Issah, Bitu or Tanajura.
It can bite, but does not have a sting. It is not aggressive though. The males can be aggressive when defending the colony.
It is edible. The abdomen is rich in lipids and protein (female carries eggs). The ants are collected by kids, then the abdomen is detached, fried and cooked with cassava flour. It is considered an unique dish in some parts of Brazil.
Click to expand...

thanx.........edible put it on a cracker.....:eek:
 
At first I thought it was the Izula because of this company related thread.. but damn that ant looks huge! dont want to get bitten by that!
 
Muras said:
Atta sexdens rubropilosa is the scientific name.

The ant is called "sauva" in portuguese (Brazil). It is abundant in South America and is a leafcutter ant. The leaves are used as a base to grow a fungus (their real food).
The picture posted above shows a female (huge abdomen and wings) and is popularly known as Issah, Bitu or Tanajura.
It can bite, but does not have a sting. It is not aggressive though. The males can be aggressive when defending the colony.
It is edible. The abdomen is rich in lipids and protein (female carries eggs). The ants are collected by kids, then the abdomen is detached, fried and cooked with cassava flour. It is considered an unique dish in some parts of Brazil.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, do you think they likely traveled here in cargo or is the warming climate cycle allowing them to migrate? I know insects do migrate but I never saw anything like that when I lived in central Texas.
 
Sometimes insects (and arachnids) get shipped all around the USA in fruits and veggies shipped up here from South America.
 
Thanks! We were thinking it was a type of leafcutter ant... just not the native one.. too big. You have confirmed that! Much appreciated.

And yes, we have had South American critters show up in the area on occassion. This one is just new to me.
 
euroross said:
Are you in the U.S.? Never seen one of those before.
Click to expand...

We are in the US and these things are digging in our front yard.:eek: This is the first time I have seen them in Texas. As big as they are it wouldn't take long to have a meal large enough for an adult. :D
 
GhostWolf said:
We are in the US and these things are digging in our front yard.:eek: This is the first time I have seen them in Texas. As big as they are it wouldn't take long to have a meal large enough for an adult. :D
Click to expand...

mmmmm, Did someone say chocolate covered ants??? I'm there!!!! :)

seriously brother, the two clans need to reconnect, its been too long.
 
Muras said:
Atta sexdens rubropilosa is the scientific name.

The ant is called "sauva" in portuguese (Brazil). It is abundant in South America and is a leafcutter ant. The leaves are used as a base to grow a fungus (their real food).
The picture posted above shows a female (huge abdomen and wings) and is popularly known as Issah, Bitu or Tanajura.
It can bite, but does not have a sting. It is not aggressive though. The males can be aggressive when defending the colony.
It is edible. The abdomen is rich in lipids and protein (female carries eggs). The ants are collected by kids, then the abdomen is detached, fried and cooked with cassava flour. It is considered an unique dish in some parts of Brazil.
Click to expand...


Did you really know that or did you google it?
 
Lisa let's just hope one doesn't show up at Oxford for the Fall thing. You KNOW my luck..........................
 
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