# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Habitat:** Sandy areas - **Also known as:** Velvet Ant ![Dasymutilla bioculata](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Velvet_ant.jpg&width=800) Photo: Kevin Saff, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Velvet_ant.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Mutillidae - **Genus:** Dasymutilla ## 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 - **Tough Armor:** Dasymutilla bioculata has an extremely tough exoskeleton that helps them resist attacks from predators or host defenses. - **Warning Colors:** Dasymutilla bioculata has vivid red and black patterns that help them warn off potential predators that they are dangerous. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-golden-digger-wasp) (*Sphex ichneumoneus*) — Juveniles consume the developing larvae of this wasp. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Be careful and don't touch them, as they can sting! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Dasymutilla bioculata? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Dasymutilla bioculata: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dasymutilla-bioculata)