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Bullet ant

The bullet ant (*Paraponera clavata*) is a large Neotropical ant species known for its extremely painful sting.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The bullet ant (*Paraponera clavata*) is a large Neotropical ant species known for its extremely painful sting. It lives in humid lowland rainforests of Central and South America and is the only living species in its genus and subfamily.

Taxonomy

*Paraponera clavata* is classified as the bullet ant and is placed in the monotypic genus *Paraponera*. It is also the only extant member of its subfamily, making it taxonomically distinctive among ants.

Description

Bullet ants are large, robust ants with a reputation for powerful stings. Sources describe their size as among the largest in the ant world, with workers reaching roughly 18 to 30 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species inhabits humid lowland tropical rainforests across Central and South America. Reported range includes areas from Honduras and El Salvador southward to Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and nearby countries.

Sting and behaviour

The bullet ant is best known for its intensely painful sting, which has been compared to being shot. It is not typically aggressive away from the nest but will defend itself and its colony when threatened.

Key facts

  • The bullet ant is a large predatory ant native to tropical rainforest habitats in Central and South America.
  • Its sting is widely described as among the most painful of any insect sting and is the basis of its common name.
  • It is the only living species in both its genus and its subfamily.
  • Adults are among the largest ants, with workers commonly described as about 18 to 30 mm long.
  • Bullet ants are generally not aggressive unless defending the nest.
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Canadian context

Bullet ants are not native to Canada, but they are of interest to Canadian readers through biology, entomology, and rainforest ecology coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the bullet ant’s scientific name?
Its scientific name is *Paraponera clavata*.
Where do bullet ants live?
They live in humid lowland rainforests in Central and South America.
Why is it called a bullet ant?
The name refers to the sting pain being described as similar to being shot.
How painful is a bullet ant sting?
It is widely described as one of the most painful insect stings known.
Is the bullet ant the only species in its group?
Yes. It is the only living species in its genus and subfamily.
Are bullet ants dangerous to people?
Their sting is very painful, but they are generally not aggressive unless defending the nest.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/bullet-insect
    Supports: Scientific name, habitat range, painful sting, and monotypic genus/subfamily status.
  2. Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/insects-invertebrates/bullet-ant-painful-sting
    Supports: Large size, rainforest habitat, colony and behavioural notes, and sting pain reputation.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraponera_clavata
    Supports: General identification and habitat summary for *Paraponera clavata*.