Diet

• Predatory and scavenging, feeding on termites, ants, beetles, caterpillars, flies, spiders, grasshoppers, and other arthropods.

• Also consumes nectar, honeydew, fallen fruit, and carrion when available.

• Workers hunt individually rather than recruiting nestmates, using their powerful mandibles and venomous sting to subdue prey.

Range

• Native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.

• In Mexico, it is widespread along both the Pacific and Gulf slopes, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo region.

• Common in tropical lowland habitats from sea level to about 1,500 m (4,900 ft).

Habitat

• Inhabits tropical dry forests, tropical rainforests, secondary forests, forest edges, grasslands, plantations, agricultural fields, and gardens.

• Nests in soil, usually beneath stones, logs, leaf litter, or at the base of trees.

• Frequently forages on the ground in open, sunny areas and along forest trails.

Size

• Worker length: 8–12 mm (0.3–0.5 in)

• Queen length: 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in)

• Colonies are relatively small, typically containing 50–500 workers.