4 replies to this topic

[futurebird]

I'm really getting in to learning about Proceratium sp. "spider egg ants" ... even though they seem to eat all kinds of eggs in some cases, not just spider eggs. They are one of the ants that's been seen in NYC that I've never encountered yet. 

 

But... I do notice they have a sting. Am I correct to assume that given their tiny size they can't sting people? I can't really find much information on what they do with their stingers, even though they are quite large and visible in the better photographs. 

[TennesseeAnts]

Their sting is practically unusable on humans. I can tell you from experience that these are very difficult ants to maintain, so if you attempt to keep them, please be very prepared and have a stable food source established before acquiring a colony.

Good luck!

[gcsnelling]

As already mentioned getting a sting from these is pretty unlikely, however I have been stung by Solenopsis molesta which is also considered impossible. My dad thought I was nuts when I told him about it.

[TennesseeAnts]

As already mentioned getting a sting from these is pretty unlikely, however I have been stung by Solenopsis molesta which is also considered impossible. My dad thought I was nuts when I told him about it.

How did that happen? Did the worker bite and then sting like larger Solenopsids?

[gcsnelling]

First time was an alate, got me on the shin. Although I felt the sting it did not last long nor was it really anything significant. The second time I was collecting a sample for my dad in the Huachucas, I was stung on the back of my hand between my thumb and index finger. That sting produced a small welt, red area and itch which lasted several hours, but no real pain. Unknown if the typical bite and sting technique  was employed but I assume it probably was.