Crazy guy finds out that you don't mess with these ants. Leafcutter Ant bites are so powerful that large soldiers are rumored to possess the strength to pierce through human skin!
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#1 This Is The Leafcutter Ant
Leafcutter ants are species of ants that are fungus farmers, they cultivate and grow their own food, a type of fungus, in underground gardens. They are very large as far as ants go, and are known for marching along in a very straight line carrying leaves to their underground nests. They are normally located in the Southwestern United States, Central and South America. They can grow up to 1 inch in length and have very sharp teeth. The ants use their special jaw to "saw" off pieces of plants that they carry back to their underground home. Most people think the ants eat the leaves, but they don't. They tuck the bits of leaves into their tunnels and wait for the fungus to grow. Then they harvest and eat it.
#2 Coyote Peterson
Coyote Peterson, of the wildlife show "Breaking Trail" recently located a colony of the leafcutters while visiting the rain forest in Costa Rica. He was told by the locals to steer clear of the ants. He thought they would sting like fire ants but was told that they only bite. He had to see for himself so he hunted down their nest and went on to film what happened.
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#3 He Didn't Believe The Ant Was Capable Of Sawing Through Flesh
At first, he thought it was just a myth that the ant could penetrate human skin, but he soon found out otherwise when he places a single ant on his finger. The razor sharp teeth immediately saw into his finger and latch onto his skin as the ant makes it's way around his finger. Within seconds, his finger begins to drip blood and he is in extreme agony as it digs deeper and moves around cutting deep as it goes.
#4 The Ant Chewed Him Up
The ant massacred his finger in a matter of seconds. In total, he let the ant chomp on his finger for over 2 minutes before he could no longer stand the excruciating pain. He later learned that the ant he placed on his hand was a soldier ant, the largest and angriest in any nest. Their only purpose is to protect the queen ant and the nest from intruders. Imagine getting attacked by the entire swarm.
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#5 Chewing Protective Soldiers Are No Myth
Most of the ants in a colony are workers, but they often have different jobs depending on their body size. The smallest ants, called minims, grow the fungus food and watch over eggs the queen ant has laid. The very largest worker ants, called majors, go out to collect bits of plants and defend the colony from intruders. These are the soldier ants. Coyote learned that the 'myth' of the ant being able to saw through human flesh, was indeed true.
