Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Ants, bullet ants
Question:	I need some information on the bullet ant. Are these large black ants present here in Corpus the same bullet ants shown in several pictures I've seen, and also on a recently shown program on the Discovery Channel where they stated that these ants were not found in the United States? They are about 3/8" long. The waist has two small slightly bulbus segments and is about 1/4 the length of the ant. They seem be predatory, fast moving and have a very potent sting. I rarely see 2 close together.
Answer:	The ant you describe is most likely Pseudomyrmex gracilis mexicanus. It is a powerful stinger but is not well recognized across Texas. It is more likely to be found along the coast or in South Texas. They are not bullet ants.
Related Link:	http://www.aqua.org/animals/species/venom/bullet.html
Related Link:
Image Link: **
Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Entomologist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.