Velvet Ant - Timulla vagans

Saw this 'ant' on a wall - I know my South European ant species quite well but didn't recognise this one at all. Then it dawned on me...what if this isn't an ant, but a velvet ant or wingless wasp! A quick google search later and it turns out it is indeed a velvet ant, this is the female and apparently she packs a severe punch when it comes to her sting - not as bad as the 'cow killer' velvet ant though ;)

comments (3)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Nice find! Note that I changed the common name back to Timulla vagans instead of "Velvet Ant", because velvet ant refers to an entire family, not just a single species. Posted 8 years ago
1. Stuart
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks on both accounts Ferdy, much appreciated. First one of these creatures I've seen in the flesh. Posted 8 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I've only seen one in my life time as well:
    
    Posted 8 years ago, modified 8 years ago

The Timulla vagans

The Mutillidae are a family of more than 3,000 species of wasps (despite the names) whose wingless females resemble large, hairy ants. Their common name velvet ant refers to their dense pile of hair, which most often is bright scarlet or orange, but may also be black, white, silver, or gold. Black and white specimens are sometimes known as panda ants due to their hair coloration resembling that of the giant panda. Their bright colors serve as aposematic signals. They are known for their extremely.. more

Info 3 0

Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants

Species identified by Stuart