Dasymutilla bioculata
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Dasymutilla bioculata
Dasymutilla bioculata
The Dasymutilla bioculata, also known as the velvet ant, is a fuzzy insect that looks like a tiny furry creature! They are actually wasps but don’t have wings. They are bright orange and black, making them easy to spot.
Habitat: Sandy areas
Appearance
The Dasymutilla bioculata is a fuzzy insect with a striking appearance, often displaying bright orange-red and black coloration. Females are wingless, resembling large ants, while males possess wings. Its vibrant hues serve as a warning.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyMutillidaeGenusDasymutilla
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its name, this insect is actually a type of wasp.
Females can burrow into the ground to find hidden nests.
Its sting is one of the most painful in the insect world!
The larval stage of this wasp is entirely carnivorous.
Special abilities
Ability
Tough Armor
Dasymutilla bioculata has an extremely tough exoskeleton that helps them resist attacks from predators or host defenses.
Ability
Warning Colors
Dasymutilla bioculata has vivid red and black patterns that help them warn off potential predators that they are dangerous.
Ability
Alarm Squeak
Dasymutilla bioculata can produce a squeaking sound (stridulation) by rubbing body parts that helps them startle attackers.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-45 mm
- Size
- 12-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult velvet ants drink flower nectar, while their larvae eat other insect larvae.
Age differences: Larvae are parasitoids, feeding on the developing larvae of ground-nesting bees and wasps, while adults feed on nectar.
Primary Foods
- solitary bee larvae
- wasp larvae
- flower nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Digger Bee
Anthophora abrupta
Larvae develop by consuming its host larvae.
parasitizes
Viereck's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum vierecki
Lays eggs in the ground nests of this bee species.
parasitizes
Great Golden Digger Wasp
Sphex ichneumoneus
Juveniles consume the developing larvae of this wasp.
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.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Velvet Ant
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Be careful and don't touch them, as they can sting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dasymutilla bioculata's wingspan?
25-45 mm
How big is Dasymutilla bioculata?
12-25 mm
How long does Dasymutilla bioculata live?
30-90 days
How fast can Dasymutilla bioculata fly?
15 km/h
What does Dasymutilla bioculata eat?
Adult velvet ants drink flower nectar, while their larvae eat other insect larvae.
Where is Dasymutilla bioculata usually found?
Sandy areas
How does Dasymutilla bioculata hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Dasymutilla bioculata have?
6
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