Fishhook Ants Are Capable of Cutting Through Skin and Getting Lodged Into the Throat of Would-Be Predators

Photo: Virachey National Park
When attacked, fishhook ants swarm out of their nests and hook onto each other, forming a living carpet of spikes that deters predators. This behavior is inadvertent but quite effective as a defense mechanism. The ants also use their mandibles and stingers to bite and sting their enemies, delivering a painful venom.

Fishhook ants are also remarkable for their nest-building skills. They use silk produced by their larvae to weave together plant materials, such as leaves, twigs or grasses, into a sturdy structure. The silk also acts as a waterproofing agent, preventing rainwater from entering the nest.

The nests can vary in size and shape, depending on the availability of resources and the number of ants. Some nests are small and spherical, while others are large and elongated. Some nests are attached to tree branches or trunks, while others are hidden underground or inside rotten logs. The nests have multiple entrances and chambers, where the ants store food, rear brood and rest.