Dasymutilla californica
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Dasymutilla californica
Dasymutilla californica
The California Velvet Ant is a colorful insect that looks like a fuzzy ant but is actually a wasp! They are known for their bright colors and can be found in sunny places.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Dasymutilla californica is a striking, fuzzy insect with a bright red or orange head and abdomen, contrasting with a black middle section. Females are wingless and resemble large, hairy ants, while males possess dark, translucent wings. Its dense, velvety hair gives it a unique, plush appearance.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyMutillidaeGenusDasymutilla
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite their name, velvet ants are actually a type of solitary wasp, not ants!
Female velvet ants are wingless and run incredibly fast across the ground.
The sting of some velvet ants is rumored to be painful enough to 'kill a cow'!
Their vibrant colors like red and orange are a 'danger sign' to predators.
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sting
Dasymutilla californica females have an extremely potent sting because of specialized venom, that helps them defend against predators.
Ability
Armored Body
Dasymutilla californica has a remarkably tough exoskeleton that helps them resist crushing and other physical attacks.
Ability
Warning Squeak
Dasymutilla californica can make a squeaking sound by rubbing body parts that helps them warn predators to stay away.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-40 mm
- Size
- 10-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their young are parasitic on other insect larvae.
Age differences: Larvae are ectoparasitoids, feeding on the larvae and pupae of ground-nesting bees and wasps.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- honeydew
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Yellow-faced Bumble Bee
Bombus vosnesenskii
Its larvae develop inside the nests of this bee.
parasitizes
Great Golden Digger Wasp
Sphex ichneumoneus
Its larvae are parasites of this wasp's young.
pollinates
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
Adults visit this flower for nectar, aiding its reproduction.
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.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
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.
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
California Velvet Ant
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
If you see one, it's best to admire it from a distance and not touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dasymutilla californica's wingspan?
20-40 mm
How big is Dasymutilla californica?
10-25 mm
How long does Dasymutilla californica live?
30-90 days
What does Dasymutilla californica eat?
Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their young are parasitic on other insect larvae.
Where is Dasymutilla californica usually found?
Grasslands
How does Dasymutilla californica hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Dasymutilla californica have?
6
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