Velvet Ant (often nicknamed 'Cow Killer')
Scientific Name: Dasymutilla occidentalis (one of the more common species, given the image)
Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Mutillidae
Size: Generally, 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2 to 2.5 cm) in length, though some species can be smaller or larger. The one pictured appears to be on the larger end.
Natural Habitat
Velvet ants are found in a variety of habitats, including sandy areas, fields, woodlands, and dry, open areas. They are common in arid and semi-arid regions. They are often seen scurrying on the ground, especially during hot weather.
Diet & Feeding
Adult velvet ants feed on nectar and water. The larvae are external parasites (ectoparasitoids) of the larvae and pupae of ground-nesting bees and wasps. The female velvet ant invades the nest of a host, lays an egg on or near the host's larva or pupa, and the velvet ant larva then consumes the host.
Behavior Patterns
Female velvet ants are wingless and resemble ants, while males have wings. They are solitary insects. Females are often seen searching for ground-nesting bee and wasp nests to lay their eggs. They are known for their painful sting, which earned them the nickname 'cow killer'. Despite the name, their sting is not lethal to cows or humans, but it is intensely painful.
Risks & Benefits
The main risk is their extremely painful sting, hence their nickname 'cow killer'. While not medically dangerous to humans (unless allergic), the pain is severe and can last for several minutes. They are beneficial in that their larvae parasitize other insects, which can help in natural pest control, though this is not typically a significant benefit for agriculture or direct human use.
Identified on: 6/30/2025