Red Velvet Ant (also known as Cow Killer)

Open sunny areas such as fields, pastures, and sandy soil edges

Adults feed on nectar and water; larvae are parasites that feed on the larvae of ground-nesting bees and wasps

Despite the name, it is actually a wingless female wasp. They are active during the day and are known for their extremely tough exoskeleton and erratic crawling movement.

Benefit the ecosystem by controlling populations of other ground-nesting wasps. Risks include an extremely painful sting if handled or stepped on, though they are generally non-aggressive unless provoked.