Workers are large, commonly around 10–13 mm.
Fine-art photographic collection
Odontomachus hastatus
A red trap-jaw ant whose mandibles function as both weapon and escape spring.
About this species
Red trap-jaw ant
Odontomachus hastatus(Fabricius, 1804)
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Odontomachus hastatus is a large arboreal trap-jaw ant of tropical South America. Workers hunt using mandibles held open under tension and released when trigger hairs contact prey.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Odontomachus
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Tropical South AmericaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Tropical South America, especially Brazil and neighbouring regions.
Rainforest and humid woodland, often nesting in bromeliads or tree cavities.
Workers forage individually on vegetation and the forest floor.
Predatory on small arthropods, supplemented by sugary liquids.
Colonies are relatively small and frequently associated with arboreal plant cavities.
What makes this species remarkable?
The mandibles can close at exceptional speed.
Striking the ground can propel a worker away from danger.
Nesting in water-holding bromeliads creates a distinctive arboreal microhabitat.