AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Paraponera clavata
Bullet Ant
Fabricius, 1775
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large ant, characterized by a robust body ranging from reddish to matte black. It possesses an extremely developed stinger capable of injecting a powerful neurotoxin, poneratoxin, which causes intense and prolonged pain.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Hymenoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Formicidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Paraponera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Fabricius, 1775
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits lowland humid tropical forests of Central and South America. It builds nests at the base of trees, often among roots or in natural hollows in the ground.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
These ants have primarily arboreal habits but forage on the ground. They are solitary or cooperative predators that collect nectar and small arthropods. They possess a sophisticated chemical communication system.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
They form colonies of moderate size, generally with a single queen. The social structure is less hierarchical than in other more advanced species.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Omnivorous: Feeds on a wide variety of small insects, nectar, and sugary substances secreted by plants.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
They are effective predators of insects and other invertebrates. In turn, they are attacked by parasitic phorid flies. They play a vital role as biological controllers and nectar transporters.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Brief courtship. Workers are responsible for nest protection and foraging. The queen lays eggs that are attended by the colony.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.8 - 2.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.05 g - 0.1 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 100
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 3
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 Years
Females1 - 2 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are winged, thinner than workers, and possess longer antennae for pheromone detection.
Females Multi-lang
Females (workers and queens) are wingless (except during nuptial flight in the queen). They are larger and more robust than males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Neurotoxic stinger: Superior defensive adaptation that injects poneratoxin, causing pain comparable to a bullet wound.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation: Loss of mature trees necessary for nesting and foraging.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Cultural rituals: In some indigenous tribes, these ants are used in initiation rites where young men must endure stings to demonstrate bravery.