Rank Species | Family Formicidae Genus Odontomachus Higher classification Odontomachus | |
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Similar Odontomachus, Ant, Insect, Odontomachus bauri, Ponerinae | ||
Trap jaw ant odontomachus brunneus
Odontomachus brunneus is a species of ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, found in the southeastern United States, parts of Central America, and the West Indies.
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Odontomachus brunneus
Overview
Ants of the genus Odontomachus are commonly called trap-jaw ants, due to the large, straight mandibles, which can be opened to 180 degrees and snapped shut on prey. When sensory hairs on the inside of the mandibles are touched, the trap jaw is triggered. The mandibles also permit slow and fine movements for other tasks such as nest building and care of larvae.
Speed record
Trap-jaw ants of this species have the fastest moving predatory appendages within the animal kingdom. One study recorded peak speeds of between 126 and 230 km/h (78 - 143 mph), with the jaws closing within just 130 microseconds on average. The peak force exerted was in the order of 300 times the body weight of the ant. The ants were also observed to use their jaws as a catapult to eject intruders or fling themselves backwards to escape a threat.
