Velvet Ant
Latin Name: Dasymutilla occidentalis
Species: Terrestrial Invertebrate
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Despite their common name, velvet ants are actually in the wasp family. Females are large, fuzzy wingless wasps, black with bright red, yellow, or orange markings. They have very strong exoskeletons and muscular legs, making them highly defensible to potential predators. And they pack a mean sting, giving them the nickname of the “Cow Killer” (though there is no evidence they have ever killed a cow). Males tend to look more like regular winged wasps and can fly.
Range & Habitat (map)
Velvet ants can be found throughout the southeastern U.S. from Texas to Florida. There are 41 species of velvet ant in South Carolina, the most common being Dasymutilla occidentalis or the eastern velvet ant. They are ground-dwelling wasps found during the warm months, especially during cooler daylight hours.
Diet
Adult velvet ants feed on nectar from flowers. Immature velvet ants hatch out in the nest chambers of their host species and consume the larvae, pupae, or cocoons of the host.
Life History
Velvet ants are parasitic organisms, meaning they derive their nutrients from other living organisms. A female velvet ant lays her eggs on the pupae of other insects such as solitary ground-nesting wasps. The velvet ant larva then hatches and proceeds to eat the host pupa. It emerges from the nest as an adult velvet ant.
Significance
The female velvet ant’s physical traits are a great example of nature’s defenses, and of signaling other species not to bother them…or else! Her bright colors are like a stoplight, warning animals to stay away. Her thick exoskeleton protects her from being crushed under the feet or in the jaws of potential predators. And if that fails, her painful sting will certainly send the signal to leave the velvet ant alone.
Threats & How You Can Help
Velvet ants are not considered pests and will generally not bother humans or other animals if left alone.
Additional Resources
Missouri Dept of Conservation – https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/velvet-ants
Clemson Cooperative Extension – https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/velvet-ants/