Red Velvet Ant (or Cow Killer)

Natural Habitat

Found in open sunny areas, pastures, and lawns where ground-nesting bees and wasps are present.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal insects; females are wingless and known for their rapid, erratic movements on the ground, while males have wings. They use aposematic coloration (bright red and black) as a warning signal.

Risks & Benefits

Potentially very painful sting for humans if handled (leading to the nickname 'cow killer'), though they are not aggressive. They help control populations of other ground-nesting insects.

Identified on: 6/29/2026