leshonya

Updated: May 7, 2025

This is caused by a large jet-black ant named "Leshonya". It is nearly an inch in length, and emits a pungent smell when alarmed, in the same manner as the skunk. The scent must be as volatile as ether, for, on irritating the insect with a stick six feet long, the odor is instantly perceptible. Occasionally we lighted upon land tortoises, which, with their unlaid eggs, make a very agreeable dish.

David Livingstone - Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa