Odontomachus

also known as Trap Jaw Ants, species in Odontomachus have a pair of large, straight mandibles capable of opening 180°. These jaws are locked in place by an internal mechanism, and can snap shut on prey or objects when sensory hairs on the inside of the mandibles are touched.

The mandibles are powerful and fast, giving the ant its common name. The mandibles either kill or maim the prey, allowing the ant to bring it back to the nest. Odontomachus ants can simply lock and snap their jaws again if one bite is not enough, or to cut off bits of larger food.

The mandibles also permit slow and fine movements for other tasks such as nest building and care of larvae.[citation needed] The ants were also observed to use their jaws as a catapult to eject intruders or fling themselves backwards to escape a threat.