Growing up in the southern U.S., I have had my share of insect stings, mainly from that unattended can of soda on the school-yard playground that serves as a yellow-jacket magnet. Here in Costa Rica, with something like 5 to 6% of the earth’s biodiversity, there are an untold number of creatures capable of delivering a healthy sting. This morning while contemplating this very post I was pricked by the spines of a “saddleback caterpillar” that had for some reason attached itself onto the leg of my Costa Rican rocker. I had never seen or heard of these beautiful little creatures, but this morning I was introduced in a very painful manner. In fact, it still hurts. I Googled it and learned that while the venom can be quite irritating, it is not deadly. Then there are the “bullet ants” (or, as they are known here, “hormigas bala”). These are very large, wingless wasp-like ants that are said to deliver the most powerful bite in the insect world. The good news is that normally you have to venture into the jungle to encounter one of these suckers. There is an Indian tribe in Brazil (Satere-Mawe) that performs an initiation ritual for young wanna-be warriors. They have to wear gloves that are laced with sedated bullet ants. When the ants revive the youth must endure a full ten minutes of being stung numerous times. Imagine that! Finally, and definitely the most macabre, are the “tarantula hawks” (or, here in Costa Rica, “avispas mata-tarantula”). These are very large wasps with rust colored wings that you can find in our tropical forests. They are called tarantula hawks because they attach themselves onto the backs of tarantulas in order to lay an egg in a hole they bore into the spider’s body. When the larva hatches it feeds on the flesh of the insect, being careful not the harm vital organs in order to keep the meal fresh. Finally the tarantula dies and a baby wasp emerges from the carcass. I know that sounds like something from a B-rated sci-fi flick, but it’s true. Oh and they are said to deliver the second most powerful sting in the insect world. Sometimes inspiration to write comes from the oddest places. This morning I have to thank my friend, the saddleback caterpillar. Ouch!
Video of Bullet Ant Ritual
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