Red Velvet Ant
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Mutillidae |
| Genus: | Dasymutilla |
| Species: | Dasymutilla occidentalis |
Description
Red Velvet Ants are in the Miltillidae family, which holds 7000 different species of velvet ants. Despite their name and appearcance, Red Velvet Ants are actually a species of wasp. Like most wasp species, they are solitary and do not form larger hives. These wasps get their name from their short, red and black, velvety hairs covering their body. This aposmatic coloration warns predators of their dangers. Red velvet Ants are the largest of the velvet ant species, measuring about 3/4 of an inch in length. Females are wingless while males have dark, transulucent wings. The females wingless appareance and the way they move acroos the ground is why these insects are mistaken as ants. Females also posses a stinger, while males do not. These wasps are also known as "Cow Killers" due to their quite powerful and painful sting.
Habitat and Range
Behavior and Life Cycle
Ecological Role
