Velvet ants (Mutillidae) are a family of more than 7,000 species of wasps whose wingless females resemble large, hairy ants. Their common name velvet ant refers to their resemblance to an ant, and their dense pile of hair, which most often is bright scarlet or orange, but may also be black, white, silver, or gold.

The name velvet ant comes from the appearance of the wingless females, which – with their body shape and size, and covering of a dense layer of velvety fur – resemble a hairy ant. The vast number of species of velvet ant are spread over several continents.

Red velvet ant, also commonly called cow ant, cow killer ant, or eastern velvet ant, is actually a species of parasitic wasps that belong to the family Mutillidae and is typically found in the eastern United States.

What is a velvet ant? Although commonly referred to as the cow killer ant or red velvet ant, this insect is actually a wasp. They get the "velvet" part of their name from the fuzziness of the females, which are wingless and often brightly colored, appearing like a red and black ant.

Dasymutilla occidentalis (red velvet ant, eastern velvet ant, cow ant or cow killer) [2] [3] [4] is a species of parasitoid wasp that ranges from Connecticut to Kansas in the north and Florida to Texas in the south. Adults are mostly seen in the summer months.

Velvet ants are any of a group of about 3,000 species of parasitic wasps (order Hymenoptera) that are named for their fuzzy, antlike appearance. Velvet ants are most prevalent in the hot, dry regions of the Western Hemisphere.

The red velvet-ant is the largest velvet-ant species, reaching about 3/4 inch in length. They are black overall with patches of dense orange-red hair on the thorax and abdomen. Males are similar but have wings and can not sting.

Velvet ants are actually wasps, but have earned their common name because the females are wingless, have an ant-like appearance, and are covered with a thick almost fur-like coating of hairs. Because of their bright color and size, adult females are often noticed scurrying along the ground in open areas.

Jun 30, 2019 · Velvet ants are wasps that get their name from the velvety fur on their bodies and are not very aggressive. Females do not have wings and walk along the ground for food, while the males have transparent wings and look more like wasps.

May 17, 2024 · Velvet ants are a family of over 3,000 species of wasps, with wingless females that resemble large, hairy ants. They are known for their vibrant colors, ranging from scarlet and orange to black, white, silver, and gold.