I seem to recall from previous threads that there are a few bug experts on here. I was recently on a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I awoke one morning to find a strange blistery mark on my face. I wasn’t quite sure where it came from, but one of the theories that people had was that it was the result of me swatting an “acid bug” in my sleep.
Apparently the acid bug is this little ant-sized bug that is full of a poison that can burn you if you crush it. I had actually seen some the night before, and they are small and skinny with reddish-black bodies and (if I recall correctly) little wings.
Does anyone know the actual name of this bug? I’ve been searching for “acid-bug” online, but haven’t really come up with anything. I was hoping to find out a little more about it. Thanks.
[quote]timbofirstblood wrote:
I seem to recall from previous threads that there are a few bug experts on here. I was recently on a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I awoke one morning to find a strange blistery mark on my face. I wasn’t quite sure where it came from, but one of the theories that people had was that it was the result of me swatting an “acid bug” in my sleep.
Apparently the acid bug is this little ant-sized bug that is full of a poison that can burn you if you crush it. I had actually seen some the night before, and they are small and skinny with reddish-black bodies and (if I recall correctly) little wings.
Does anyone know the actual name of this bug? I’ve been searching for “acid-bug” online, but haven’t really come up with anything. I was hoping to find out a little more about it. Thanks.[/quote]
I’m interested in insects, so your post caught my eye.
This, however, is all I could find on the Internet–just a brief mention:
“Never slap an insect that lands on you. Always flick it off instead. There is a curious little bug there, quite common in the evening, known as the “acid bug” that secretes a strong acid if slapped. It will cause a festering wound that will take months to heal.”
In Africa (and Globally) there are a number of species of ants in the sub-family Formicinae. Formicine ants generally have a reduced sting and secrete or spray formic acid as their main defense. A good size Formicine ant could conceivably contain enough acid for a small burn.
Totally off topic, but I love how countries that are not really democratic try so hard to pretend that they are with their names. It’s like “The People’s Totally Free Democratically Elected We Absolutely, Positively Have Boatloads of Human Rights Here Republic of Congo.”
[quote]eic wrote:
Totally off topic, but I love how countries that are not really democratic try so hard to pretend that they are with their names. It’s like “The People’s Totally Free Democratically Elected We Absolutely, Positively Have Boatloads of Human Rights Here Republic of Congo.”[/quote]
Yeah, that always gets me. Especially because right across the river is the Republic of Congo, which is more democratic than the DRC. I was talking to one of the locals about politics, and she said “We are called the Democratic Republic, but I don’t think we’re very democratic.” Definitely helped me appreciate life in the States.
[quote]barbos01 wrote:
In Africa (and Globally) there are a number of species of ants in the sub-family Formicinae. Formicine ants generally have a reduced sting and secrete or spray formic acid as their main defense. A good size Formicine ant could conceivably contain enough acid for a small burn.[/quote]
Thanks for the info. It definitely looked like a weird little ant.
[quote]eic wrote:
Totally off topic, but I love how countries that are not really democratic try so hard to pretend that they are with their names. It’s like “The People’s Totally Free Democratically Elected We Absolutely, Positively Have Boatloads of Human Rights Here Republic of Congo.”[/quote]
[/quote]
That’s exactly what it was. What a gross bug. Thanks for the help. Have you dealt with them before, or are you knowledgeable about insects or what?