What is the largest ant in the world?

The largest ant in the world is the Dinoponera gigantea, also known as the Giant Amazonian ant or the bullet ant. This species of ant is native to the rainforests of South America and can grow up to 1.5 inches in length, making it one of the largest ants in the world.

The Giant Amazonian ant is known for its painful sting, which has been compared to being shot with a bullet, hence its nickname. The sting is said to be one of the most painful insect stings in the world, causing intense pain, swelling, and redness that can last for hours or even days.

Despite their large size and formidable sting, Giant Amazonian ants are not aggressive towards humans and will only sting if they feel threatened or provoked. They are primarily scavengers, feeding on dead insects and other small animals.

In terms of their social structure, Giant Amazonian ants live in colonies led by a queen and consist of workers, soldiers, and reproductive males and females. The workers are responsible for foraging for food and caring for the young, while the soldiers defend the colony from predators.

Overall, the Giant Amazonian ant is a fascinating and unique species that plays an important role in the ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest.