Published: June 3, 2015

Bullet Ant Venom

Bullet ants (Paraponera clavata) have the most intense sting of any insect -- but what makes it so painful? Dr. Corrie Moreau walks us through how she extracts their venom to learn more about the chemistry of this remarkable species! 

Last week, she showed us how she dissects ants to learn about their gut microbiomes!

Want to learn more about her work?! Go watch our 2014 Valentine's Day video, "Romantic Ants." 

This research is supported by the National Science Foundation. Thanks, NSF!

Dr. Moreau is also the co-chair and founder of The Field Museum's Women in Science group. (I'm on the committee!) Stay up-to-date with our advocacy.

Ant photos courtesy of the incredibly talented Alex Wild! Please do yourself a favor and check out his website!