Trap Jaw Ants Along the Gulf

FAIRFAX, Va. (June 30, 2014) – An invasive species of trap jaw ants has been slowly spreading throughout the South without gaining much attention. Trap jaw ants have a spring-loaded jaw that helps them trap prey and leap away from predators.

The species in question is native to South America and is often confused with its North American relatives. The two species are different in that the invasive South American species is known to be much more aggressive and more likely to sting people.

According to researchers at North Carolina State University, the South American trap jaw ants can be found from New Orleans to Pensacola.