Paraponera clavata (Bullet ant)

Paraponera clavata
commonly known as the Bullet Ant, is a large and highly defensive ant species native to Central and South America. It is known for its intense sting, large size (workers up to 25–30 mm), and complex colony structure.

This species is only recommended for highly experienced keepers due to its potent venom and specialized husbandry needs.

Environment: Provide a large, secure formicarium with excellent ventilation and escape-proof design. A naturalistic setup with soil, bark, and climbing structures is ideal, as they are arboreal and ground-foraging ants. Connect to a spacious outworld for foraging.

Humidity: High humidity (70–85%) is required. Keep the nest area moist but not flooded. Provide regular misting and monitor with a hygrometer.

Diet: Omnivorous. Feed a variety of live or freshly killed insects (crickets, roaches, mealworms) for protein. Offer sugar water, honey water, or fruit juices as a carbohydrate source. Calcium and mineral supplements can be added for brood development.

Behavior: Extremely defensive and aggressive when disturbed. Workers communicate by stridulation and pheromones. Colonies are relatively small (hundreds of workers) but highly organized. Stings are extremely painful and potentially dangerous; extreme caution is required.

Temperature: 24–28 °C is ideal. Avoid sudden drops below 22 °C or spikes above 30 °C.

Important Note
This species is collected responsibly in the rainforests of Peru by experienced field experts. Each specimen is handled with care and transported safely back to Belgium under all necessary permits and conditions to ensure the health of the animals and the safety of handlers.