Megaponera analis is the sole species of the ant genus Megaponera. They are a strictly termite-eating (termitophagous) ponerine ant species widely distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa and most commonly known for their column-like raiding formation when attacking termite feeding sites. Their sophisticated raiding behaviour gave them the common name Matabele ant after the Matabele tribe, fierce warriors who overwhelmed various other tribes during the 1800s. With some individuals reaching up to 25 millimetres (0.98 in) in length, M. analis is one of the world's largest ants.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Matabele Ant being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Ophthalmopone hottentota
- Leptogenys diminuta
- Leptogenys falcigera
- Leptogenys processionalis
- Leptogenys kitteli
- Ophthalmopone berthoudi
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Formicidae
- Genus
- Megaponera
- Species
- Megaponera analis
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