Velvet ant (likely cow killer)

Dry, sunny habitats such as lawns, sandy soil, meadows, and woodland edges; often encountered on the ground.

Adults consume nectar and other plant liquids; larvae develop as parasitoids inside the brood cells of bees and wasps.

Females are wingless, densely hairy, and actively roam across soil searching for host nests; males are winged. They are solitary and may produce a loud squeak when handled.

Females can deliver an exceptionally painful sting if grabbed, but are not generally aggressive. They help regulate bee and wasp populations and contribute modestly to pollination.