SCIENCE: THE BULLET ANT

The bullet ant is named for its sting, which has been likened to being shot. Its sting is considered to be the worst among insects, far surpassing the hornet's. The horrific pain from each sting lasts for hours. Members of the Satere-Mawe tribe in Brazil use the ants in an initiation rite wherein initiates place their arms in sleeves full of sedated ants, which eventually awaken. Members must wear the sleeves full of the stinging ants for 10 minutes, and must undergo this ritual 20 times before they're accepted as warriors. [Source: a nature documentary, et al]