Common Eastern Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla occidentalis)

At the disturbed edge of a dense mixed forest.

comments (8)

Christine Young

Lion

Yes! Your 2nd this summer, right? It's gorgeous and a great shot! I've only seen this species once...They are shockingly large, aren't they?! Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Um, I've seen multiples this summer, but this is the only one I've caught on camera I think? As I told you this morning, they are quite common down South! <3 Have you heard this species hiss/squeak before? It is really cool! Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    This is the one I meant:
    
    I have never heard them make noise! Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Squeak at 1:50:
      
      Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        <3 Awesome! Glad you found a video of the squeaking! Posted 5 years ago
    3. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      Derp. My memory sucks! :D Posted 5 years ago

Stuart

Lion

Oh wow! What a great find and capture! Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you, Stuart! She was quite fast and not happy about being photographed! Posted 5 years ago

The Common Eastern Velvet Ant

''Dasymutilla occidentalis'', is a species of parasitoid wasp native to the eastern United States. It is commonly mistaken for a member of the true ant family, as the female is wingless. The species ranges from Connecticut to Missouri in the north and Florida to Texas in the south. Other common names include cow ant and cow killer.

Info 4 0

Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling