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Army ant

Army ant

Eciton burchellii

A species of Eciton

Like other species of Eciton, Eciton burchellii features a highly modified soldier caste bearing long, pointed, characteristically falcate (sickle-shaped) mandibles. Their long legs and elongated body lend them a spider-like appearance. Color varies from deep golden to dark brown. Workers possess single-faceted compound eyes, double-segmented waists, a well-developed sting, and specialized tarsal hooks on their feet with which they cling to one another to form bridges and bivouacs.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Army ant
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Attributes of Army ant
Colors
Brown
Habitat
tropical jungle; damp and well-shaded area
Adult Food Sources
Insects, small vertebrates, arthropods, earthworms, spiders
Larva Food Source
Insect proteins, -regurgitated food from adults, small arthropods, unspecified insect matter, liquid nutrients
Biting/stinging
The Army ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Army ant feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Army ant typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Army ant
Egg The egg of army ant is typically oval and tiny, laid by the queen within the nest. Over time, it increases slightly in size and the initial embryonic form is barely visible inside it.
Larva When army ant hatches, it enters the larval stage, appearing worm-like with no eyes or legs. It grows significantly, molting several times, and relies on adults for nourishment.
Pupal After sufficient growth, army ant encapsulates itself as a pupa, undergoing drastic transformation. Here, it rearranges its body structure internally and externally – slowly developing wings, legs, and antennae.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult army ant's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Army ant
3 - 12 mm
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Predators of Army ant Larvae
Antbirds, ovipositing parasitic flies, fungi
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Predators of Adult Army ant
Antbirds, tamanduas, ecitonine specialist beetles
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Interesting Facts About Army ant
Army ant communicates with its colony members by releasing a unique chemical trail, guiding hundreds to coordinated, efficient hunting expeditions.
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Scientific Classification of Army ant
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Genus
Eciton
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Tips for Finding Army ant
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Adult Habitat of Army ant
Tropical Rainforests
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Habitat Preferences of Army ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of army ant are typically found in the underground nests built by the worker ants, often in warm and humid environments such as rainforests in Central and South America. Pupae, which are immobile and vulnerable, are also located within the protective confines of the nest chambers. Adult army ant are commonly found above ground as they actively forage in large groups, commonly referred to as 'army ant swarms', across the forest floor and low vegetation. To search for the different growth and development stages, one must carefully excavate the nests for larvae and pupae, while adults can be observed during their active foraging raids.
Are Army ant harmful?
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The army ant behaves aggressively if it feels threatened. It may bite, sting, or secretes a toxic liquid. DO NOT disturb it. You’d better leave it alone.

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Are Army ant harmful to humans?

Different kinds of ants cause different troubles to humans. To be sure, compared with other dangerous creatures, common ants are very harmful to humans, and most of them just gather in the courtyard or room to disturb human life.
But there are some dangerous groups. They have strong jaws and sting needles and can bite or sting when under stress. Usually, ants only cause physical damage and the pain caused by formic acid. These discomforts do not even need to be dealt with, and can be recovered quickly. But there are still very few ant stings that can cause allergies and even death. Other ants can pollute the environment, destroy buildings, affect harvests and even spread diseases.
Harmful Effects of Army ant
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Bite Humans
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Bite Humans

Army ant is not typically known to bite humans; this behavior is not characteristic of the species. Encounters where humans are bitten are exceptional and typically occur when colonies are disturbed, leading to a defensive response. Such bites can cause mild discomfort but do not have significant long-term consequences.

More Effects of Army ant

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