Man Bitten By “Deadliest” Ant Species While in Bus; Took 4 Days to Recover

Many of us who have gone through NS in the army would know that ants look deadly (and scary), especially when you’re facing hundreds of big ants crawling on your body.

But usually, they’re like cockroaches: they look deadly and they are relatively harmless.

However, someone took four days to recover after an ant bite.

Man Bitten By “Deadliest” Ant Species While in Bus; Took 4 Days to Recover

A 40-year-old man was stung by “Singapore’s deadliest ant species” during his bus journey home in Toa Payoh last Tuesday (22 October).

According to Shin Min Daily News, the man felt a sharp pain on his arm during the ride. After spotting the ant that stung him, he quickly caught it in a plastic bottle for medical reference.

The initial red mark from the sting disappeared that evening.

However, his condition worsened the next day, with white spots appearing around the wound area, which later spread into a red rash. A doctor friend who saw photos of the injury identified it as inflammation from an ant sting.

Photos showed significant swelling and redness around the wound on his arm.

Despite his previous experiences with insect bites during outdoor activities at forests and beaches, he had never experienced such severe symptoms.

It turns out that the culprit was the Tetraponera Rufonigra ant, characterized by its black head and abdomen, red middle section, short thick antennae, and long thin legs.

The man treated the wound with medicated oil, and his condition improved after four days. He now checks his clothes and body more carefully for insects when going out.

So, what is the Tetraponera Rufonigra ant?

The Tetraponera Rufonigra Ant, Not Your Typical Ant in Your House

The Tetraponera rufonigra, commonly known as the arboreal bicolored ant, is a species found predominantly in Pakistan, India, and Southeast Asia. This ant species is popular for its potent venom and the severe reactions it can cause in humans.

When this ant bites, victims typically experience an immediate sharp pain, similar to a pin prick, followed by localized swelling.

The venom contains several harmful components, including phospholipases, antigen 5, and metalloproteinase, which work together to damage tissue and trigger inflammation.

The venom also contains specific compounds called pseudomyrmecitoxins (PSDTX) that contribute to the intensely painful sensation.

The clinical manifestations of a T. rufonigra bite can be quite severe, potentially leading to serious allergic reactions. Victims may experience urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and in extreme and very rare cases, loss of consciousness.

Bites usually resolve by themselves, but you should seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

In Singapore, residents discover these ant nests in their sky gardens at HDB flats and condominiums, leading them to seek professional help for removal.