2006-07-02 06:59:00 · 8 answers · asked by becky l 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Well, technically no....... they dont actively pee on the wound, but just like their closest cousins the bees and wasps, fire ants have a sting in which they will inject a very potent form of the venom, formic acid. The intensity of this venom varies from species to species and affects each individual person differently as well. Fire ant stings cause lots of blistering, inflammation and discomfort. The south American Bullet ant has a venom so potent it is almost equivalent to being shot from close range. The venom injected by ants is done in the exact same way as in Bees, and wasps (all belong to the order Hymenoptera), A hollow syringe like stinger is attached to 2 sometimes 1 venom sac in the posterior abdominal region, these sacs are controlled by nervous impulses and muscle contractions to force the venom throught the sting and into the unfortunate recipient.
I hope that helps, you had the right idea, but not exactly the method, Good question!
2006-07-04 01:54:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a fire ant stings you, it does indeed inject formic acid into your skin. The acid is what causes the horrible burning and itching you feel after the sting. The best treatment is something with a pH over 7 (or basic) such as baking soda or ammonia. This works because a base will neutralize the acid. If you have it, hydrocortisone will also work on the swelling and itching.
2006-07-02 21:53:48 · answer #2 · answered by Uncle Heinrich the Great 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard that. I was always told that fire ant bites burn because that are actually stinging you with poison with their stinger. Ants don't actually bite you.
2006-07-02 14:04:51 · answer #3 · answered by Akalei 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't pee on you, but they do spray formic acid on them.
The best treatment is to pour amonia on the bite within 2 minutes of being bitten. It neutralizes the formic acid so that it stops burning.
2006-07-02 14:04:11 · answer #4 · answered by grinningleaf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's neither piss nor formic acid. The don't bite either. They sting and inject a poison into your skin.
2006-07-02 15:03:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it burns because they inject a poison in you when they bite you
2006-07-02 14:03:17 · answer #6 · answered by Pobept 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think they pee. They shoot out something strong and acidic.
2006-07-02 14:06:20 · answer #7 · answered by dog_hell_red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, and spiders shoot webs from their butt.
2006-07-02 14:02:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋