Schmidt Sting Pain Index Analysis
Dr. Justin Schmidt, an entomologist who came up with the Schmidt Sting pain Index describes the pain of being stung by a bullet ant as a local pain reaction that is characterized by crescendo of searing pain that lasts up to 24 hours. Their sting is rated a "4_+" in the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. The excruciating pain, he describes, comes in waves that recede and peak causing untold misery to the afflicted party. Bullet ants also known as Conga ants claim their fame form the searing pain they inflict if they feel threatened.
However it is important to note that it is the sting not the bite that these little fire ants are known for. Once they have secured their mandibles on the victim, they turn on their abdomen and proceed to inflict the deadly …show more content…
For the boys to become warriors, they had to endure the pain of the ant bites several times in their adolescent age up to adulthood. For instance the Satere Mawe tribe of Brazil used an elaborate procedure to tie the Conga ants to the hands -with only a coating of charcoal as protection- of a would-be warrior and have him stung for 10 minutes continuously for him to be accepted into the tribe as a warrior.
Their infamy of the pain they induce is not the only interesting thing about these tiny creatures. They are also quite courteous and will give you a fair warning before they proceed to attack you.
Bullet ants are naturally found in Central and South America (Nicaragua, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru) they are usually found in the forests from the ground to the tree tops their favorite hangout being the lianas and tree trunks close to the ground. Despite being relatively big in size, the conga ants are very agile and good climbers. They are also sticky which helps them cling to the bark of trees as they climb.
Like their cousins, bullet ants live in colonies of several hundred individuals although individuals forage for food solo. They have a system of living in their colonies and elaborate job …show more content…
The female ones serve to reproduce and add to the colony.
Hierarchy.
Being eusocial, meaning that they have attained the highest level of organization in animal sociality characterized by division of labor, cooperative brood care and overlapping generations. There exists an internal hierarchy within the colonies.
The queen sits pretty at the top of the hierarchy. She is also the largest (physically). Her job is to lay eggs and continue the bloodline so to speak. The aim is for her to produce eggs which eventually will turn to adults and work for the colony. The primary goal is for her to lay eggs that will turn into healthy adults.
The queen establishes her nest at the bottom of tall trees and vines to enable her workers to reach the canopy continently. These nests can sometimes be constructed directly in tree hollows. The nest can extend to more than two feet below the surface and have numerous chambers with domed ceilings. Fun fact: in 1983 an investigation revealed an elaborate nest with 43
However it is important to note that it is the sting not the bite that these little fire ants are known for. Once they have secured their mandibles on the victim, they turn on their abdomen and proceed to inflict the deadly …show more content…
For the boys to become warriors, they had to endure the pain of the ant bites several times in their adolescent age up to adulthood. For instance the Satere Mawe tribe of Brazil used an elaborate procedure to tie the Conga ants to the hands -with only a coating of charcoal as protection- of a would-be warrior and have him stung for 10 minutes continuously for him to be accepted into the tribe as a warrior.
Their infamy of the pain they induce is not the only interesting thing about these tiny creatures. They are also quite courteous and will give you a fair warning before they proceed to attack you.
Bullet ants are naturally found in Central and South America (Nicaragua, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru) they are usually found in the forests from the ground to the tree tops their favorite hangout being the lianas and tree trunks close to the ground. Despite being relatively big in size, the conga ants are very agile and good climbers. They are also sticky which helps them cling to the bark of trees as they climb.
Like their cousins, bullet ants live in colonies of several hundred individuals although individuals forage for food solo. They have a system of living in their colonies and elaborate job …show more content…
The female ones serve to reproduce and add to the colony.
Hierarchy.
Being eusocial, meaning that they have attained the highest level of organization in animal sociality characterized by division of labor, cooperative brood care and overlapping generations. There exists an internal hierarchy within the colonies.
The queen sits pretty at the top of the hierarchy. She is also the largest (physically). Her job is to lay eggs and continue the bloodline so to speak. The aim is for her to produce eggs which eventually will turn to adults and work for the colony. The primary goal is for her to lay eggs that will turn into healthy adults.
The queen establishes her nest at the bottom of tall trees and vines to enable her workers to reach the canopy continently. These nests can sometimes be constructed directly in tree hollows. The nest can extend to more than two feet below the surface and have numerous chambers with domed ceilings. Fun fact: in 1983 an investigation revealed an elaborate nest with 43