Velvet ant

Velvet ants are a group of wasps in the family Mutillidae, not true ants.

Velvet ants are a group of wasps in the family Mutillidae, not true ants. The common name refers to the dense, velvety hair and antlike appearance of the wingless females, which are often brightly coloured and can deliver a painful sting. They occur in North America, including southern Canada, and are especially common in warm, dry regions.

Classification and name

Velvet ants belong to the wasp family Mutillidae. Their common name comes from the dense hair on the female’s body and the antlike shape of the wingless female. The family includes about 3,000 species according to Britannica, with other sources noting more than 3,000 species.

Appearance and sexual dimorphism

Females are usually wingless and ground-dwelling, while males have wings. Many species are brightly coloured in red, orange, yellow, black, white, or metallic shades. The dense, velvety hair and antlike appearance of the wingless females are distinctive.

Life cycle and behaviour

Velvet ants are solitary parasitoids. Females seek out nests of ground-nesting bees or wasps and lay eggs on the host’s immature stages, which are later consumed by the developing larva. Adults feed on nectar and water, and the insects are generally solitary, not forming ant-like colonies.

Defence and sting

Females have a sting and are known for a very painful sting, which has led to nicknames such as cow killer. Their tough exoskeleton and warning colours help protect them from predators. They are not aggressive, but the sting can be very painful if handled.