Red Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla magnifica
Body length: 3/4 - 7/8"
Diet: Adults drink nectar. The larvae parasitize the larvae and pupae of other
wasps, bees, flies, and beetles.
These hairy wasps scurry across the ground much like true ants. The males have
wings; females are wingless. The females have a very effective sting, and if picked
up they will use it, at the same time emitting a faint squeaking sound.
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Updated
May 8, 2005