8 replies to this topic

[alwayslearning]

Hello! I hope you are doing well.

Lately, I have been reading several care sheets and I was surprised to see how most of them qualify Pogonomyrmex (Rugosus, Barbatus, Subnitidus) as a "dangerous" species.

 

Checking yesterday AntsEmporium site, I see the following disclaimer under the listed Pogonomyrmex

 

Bite/ Sting/ Formic acid: Yes, a very painful sting that can last for hours. One of the most venomous insects in the world.  They also bite, Please handle with care.

 

 

So, my question: Is this as bad as presented? 

I have a colony of rugosus and one of subnitidudes and I never have taken enough measures of protection, if so. 

 

I will appreciate advice.

[AntBoi3030]

I’m pretty sure Pogonomyrmex Barbatus is the most venomous ant in the USA so I would exercise caution a lot of caution

[alwayslearning]

Thanks for your answer.

What about Rugosus and Subnitidus? Thanks!

I’m pretty sure Pogonomyrmex Barbatus is the most venomous ant in the USA so I would exercise caution a lot of caution

[YsTheAnt]

P. maricopa has the most potent venom of all Pogonomyrmex, but both P. rugosus and P. subnitidus will be very painful as well. 

Edited by YsTheAnt, August 31 2021 - 5:52 PM.

[mmcguffi]

I've been stung by wild Pogonomyrmex barbatus -- it is indeed quite painful, though not unbearable. Pain lasted for at least 15 min or so (one worker, one sting) and was perhaps a bit itchy. If you are prone to anaphylactic reactions from insect venoms though (eg: bee stings), that might also be something to consider

 

I've heard that P. occidentalis stings are also quite painful, which confuses me why this was the first de-regulated ant in the hobby

Edited by mmcguffi, August 31 2021 - 1:56 PM.

[MysticNanitic]

From Wikipedia:
“Pogonomyrmex workers have the most toxic venom documented in any insects, with Pogonomyrmex maricopa being the most toxic tested thus far. It has an LD50 of only 0.12 mg/kg, compared to western honey bee venom, at 2.8 mg/kg, and comparable to cobra venom.”

Pretty wild right? LD50 is the lethal dose per body weight that would kill 50% of a group. So give 100 80kg men 9.6mg(0.12x80) of P. maricopa venom and you can expect half to die as a result. Of course a cobra bite will deliver a lot more venom than a few ant stings. Many stings = bad news bears. Take extra care to consider small children and pets when designing a safe space and formicarium for stinging ants.

Fortunately Pogonomyrmrx can’t climb glass, I would worry most about your own or a visiting toddler overturning a colony onto themselves.

Edited by MysticNanitic, September 8 2021 - 8:19 PM.

[nurbs]

Everyone gangster til they get stung on the nipz.

[PetsNotPests]

Everyone gangster til they get stung on the nipz.

No thanks 

[gcsnelling]

Pogonomyrmex anzensis ranks right up there with P. maricopa, however the actual amount of venom in the venom gland is significantly reduced which leads to a very mild sting.

 

Schmidt, J. O. and G. C. Snelling. 2009. Pogonomyrmex anzensis Cole: Does an unusual harvester ant species have an unusual venom? Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 18:322-325.