Trap Jaw Ant

Odontomachus bauri

Scientific names

Odontomachus Sp, Anochetus Sp, Stumigenys Sp, Orectognathus Sp.

Distribution

Found in the tropics and sub-tropics throughout the world. Particularly South Asia, America and Madagascar.

Habitat

Normally found under dead wood or forest floors.

Diet

Mostly other insects, also sweet substances.

Colony size

Small colonies, less than 200 ants.

Introduction

Trap jaw ants have large mandibles that can lock back at 180 degrees. The mandibles can snap shut on prey or objects when sensory hairs found on the inside of the mandibles are touched, just like a venus fly trap.

Odontomachus bauri owns the record for the fastest movement within the animal kingdom. Its mandibles can exert forces 300 times its own weight, at maximum speeds of 230 km/h or 140 mph. They can be used to kill or damage prey and in times of danger it can push its head to the ground to literally fling itself away. For more info see UCMPs research on these incredible ants GO.

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Queen

For Odontomachus sp, 13mm, slim build, blacks and dark browns, monogyn (normally one queen per colony). They normally have a similar appearance to the workers.