Global InformationDasymutilla occidentalis information
| Dasymutilla occidentalis | |
|---|---|
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| Female | |
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| Male | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Mutillidae |
| Genus: | Dasymutilla |
| Species: | D. occidentalis
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| Binomial name | |
| Dasymutilla occidentalis (Linnaeus, 1758)
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Mutilla occidentalis Linnaeus, 1758 | |
Dasymutilla occidentalis (red velvet ant, eastern velvet ant, cow ant or cow killer)[2][3][4] is a species of parasitoid wasp that can be found worldwide but are native to North America.[5] It is commonly mistaken for a member of the true ant family, as the female is wingless. The species ranges from Connecticut to Kansas in the north and Florida to Texas in the south. These insects live in environments such as pastures, meadows, fields, and forest edges, in warm and dry climates. They cohabitate with ground nesting bees and wasps. Adults are mostly seen in the summer months.[6]
The eastern velvet ant is the largest of the velvet ant species in the eastern United States, attaining an approximate length of 0.75 in (1.9 cm). Adults display aposematic coloration, consisting of black overall coloring with an orange-red pattern on the dorsal surface of the thorax and abdomen. Although known for their red coloration, their red coat can also appear black, gold, brown, or white.[7] They are covered in dense, velvet-like hair.[3][4]
- ^ "Dasymutilla occidentalis (Linnaeus)". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
- ^ "Species Dasymutilla occidentalis". Bugguide. Iowa State University. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
- ^ a b "Red Velvet Ant or "Cow Killer"". Texas AgriLife Extension Service: A Field Guide To Common Texas Insects. Texas A&M University. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
- ^ a b "Red velvet ant; cow killer". Arthropod Museum. University of Arkansas: Division of Agriculture. Archived from the original on May 26, 2012. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
- ^ "Red Velvet Ants". Kids Environment Kids Health. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ Smith, Caleb. "Dasymutilla occidentalis". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ "Red Velvet Ants". Kids Environment Kids Health. Retrieved 2024-04-20.