The Vampire Ant

The Vampire Ant is a monstrous, prehistoric insect which is currently causing scientists world-wide to scratch their heads. Recently unearthed in equatorial Somalia, these pesky beasts have wreaked havoc on communities for weeks. A freak earthquake, which ripped through the continent in May, left large clefts in the earth’s crust – from these deep caverns emerged an insect like no other alive on our planet today. Remaining deep within the core of our planet for so long, we have never known a civilisation who have encountered these creatures and fears are widespread. Their previous diet is unknown; all that is known now is that our livestock, pets and delicate ecosystems are now at serious risk. As a further, potential 12 colonies have been identified across the globe, I ask, do you now live in fear of this ancient, killer bug?

Feeding

The Vampire Ant has neon yellow flecks on its feet which excrete a noxious venom. So, as this tormenting, tiny creature climbs, it creates an immediate paralysis whereby its victim’s blood instantly congeals and their limbs become stiff. Once in the frozen state, a harrowing feast begins. The colony can devour its undead victim over the course of 3-5 days until it has been entirely stripped of flesh and soft tissue. The ants then begin infiltrating the bone to source marrow which is used to reinforce their underground nests.

Defences and survival 

This microscopic terror is perfectly evolved to withstand the immense pressure of living so far beneath the earth’s surface. It has an armoured shell around its abdomen and head. These protective plates are the strongest natural fibre currently known to man. The complex, woven pattern of intricate shell plates are deep maroon in colour. They expose scarlet red sections underneath which the ant will display threatened to warn off an attack. Scientists are so interested in the discovery of this new material that a complex DNA extraction hopes to aid them in replicating it. Both military and construction industries have expressed a desire to utilise it.

What now?

Little is still known about the lives these creatures live beneath the ground. But their antics above leave much to the imagination. Horrors untold are expected to emerge once scientists follow the Vampire Ant down below.