The tawny crazy ant creates a formic acid as venom to protect itself from other ant species. The insects are able to spew the acid from their abdomen but are not poisonous, scientists said.
Scientists believe an invasive ant species that spews acid from its abdomen has finally met its match after discovering that a naturally occurring fungus kills off a significant number of the ant species’ population.
Since the early 2000s, the species has spread and made its home in residents’ breaker boxes, AC units, sewage pumps and other electrical devices, causing shorts and other damage, according to aAbout eight years ago, scientists were studying the crazy tawny ants in Florida when they discovered a few had swollen abdomens. These ants were taken to be observed and scientists found that they were filled with fat, according to the news release.
"I think it has a lot of potential for the protection of sensitive habitats with endangered species or areas of high conservation value," said LeBrun. In 2016, LeBrun and his research team received a call from Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, Texas, asking for help getting the crazy ant species population under control.
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