Dasymutilla
ExploreInsects
Dasymutilla
dasymutilla
Dasymutilla, also known as the velvet ant, is a unique insect that looks like a fuzzy ant! They are actually wasps and are famous for their bright colors and amazing ability to deliver a painful sting!
Habitat: They can be found in open fields, grasslands, and sandy areas.
Appearance
The Dasymutilla is covered in dense, velvety hair, often strikingly colored in reds, oranges, blacks, or whites. Females are wingless and resemble large, fuzzy ants, while males possess dark, membranous wings. Its robust, ant-like body and vibrant warning colors make it visually distinct from true ants.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyMutillidaeGenusDasymutilla
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single female velvet ant can lay hundreds of eggs, each needing a different host larva to survive!
Despite looking like fuzzy ants, these insects are actually a type of wasp, with the females being wingless!
Some velvet ants can make a distinct squeaking sound by rubbing body parts together when they feel threatened!
Their sting is so famously painful, some species are nicknamed 'cow killers,' even though they don't actually kill cows.
Special abilities
Ability
Painful Protector
Dasymutilla can deliver an extremely painful sting because of a potent venom, helping them deter predators effectively.
Ability
Armored Body
Dasymutilla has an exceptionally tough exoskeleton that helps protect it from crushing attacks by predators.
Ability
Warning Colors
Dasymutilla displays vibrant red, orange, or yellow coloration that helps warn predators to stay away.
Ability
Clever Host Hunter
Dasymutilla females can locate and parasitize the nests of other ground-nesting insects, providing food for their larvae.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-50 mm
- Size
- 8-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult velvet ants sip nectar, while their larvae are parasites, feeding on other insect young.
Age differences: Larvae are carnivorous parasitoids of other insects' young, while adults primarily feed on nectar.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- larvae of ground-nesting bees
- pupae of wasps
- larvae of beetles
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
Female velvet ants lay eggs on bumble bee larvae.
parasitizes
Eastern Cicada Killer
Sphecius speciosus
Velvet ant larvae consume the young of these large wasps.
eaten by
Eastern Fence Lizard
Sceloporus undulatus
Lizards might try to eat velvet ants, but usually regret it.
eaten by
Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna
Some birds, like meadowlarks, may occasionally prey on velvet ants.
depends on
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Adults feed on the nectar of milkweed and other wildflowers.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
fuzzy wasp
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Do not touch them as they can sting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dasymutilla's wingspan?
15-50 mm
How big is Dasymutilla?
8-30 mm
How long does Dasymutilla live?
30-90 days
What does Dasymutilla eat?
Adult velvet ants sip nectar, while their larvae are parasites, feeding on other insect young.
Where is Dasymutilla usually found?
They can be found in open fields, grasslands, and sandy areas.
How does Dasymutilla hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Dasymutilla have?
6
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