The red velvet ant, known as the “cow killer,” sparks concern due to its powerful sting. Despite its common name, this insect is not an ant at all. It is actually a type of wasp, specifically a member of the Mutillidae family, which includes over 7,000 different species of velvet ants worldwide. This unique insect is widely distributed across the United States, particularly in warmer regions.
Identifying a Red Velvet Ant
Red velvet ants are easily recognizable. Females are wingless and covered in a dense, fur-like coating of hairs, which gives them their velvety appearance and leads to their mistaken identity as ants. Their vibrant coloration, typically bright red or orange mixed with black, though some species can also be white, silver, or gold, serves as a warning signal to potential predators.
Measuring 1/8 to 7/8 inches (3-23 mm) in length, the red velvet ant is a relatively large species. While wingless females are commonly seen scurrying across the ground, males have dark, translucent wings and resemble more typical wasps. A key difference is that only the female red velvet ant possesses a stinger; males do not. The females’ ground-dwelling, wingless nature makes them particularly noticeable.
Understanding Their Sting
The “cow killer” nickname stems from the red velvet ant’s extremely painful sting, though an exaggeration and not lethal to livestock or humans. The pain of a red velvet ant sting, while intense, is generally not medically dangerous for most people. On the Schmidt Pain Index, the velvet ant sting is typically rated as a Level 3, described as immediate and excruciating, lasting up to 30 minutes. This places it among some of the most painful insect stings recorded.
The venom itself is not highly toxic compared to other stinging insects like honey bees. If stung, clean the affected area with soap and water. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain, and over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines may also provide relief. It is important to monitor the sting site, and if severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, widespread swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. Unlike bees, the female red velvet ant can sting multiple times.
Living Alongside Them
Red velvet ants are solitary insects, unlike true ants or social wasps that form colonies. They are not inherently aggressive and will typically attempt to escape or produce a squeaking sound as a warning when disturbed. A sting is usually a last resort, deployed only when the insect feels directly threatened or is handled. Their tough exoskeleton provides significant protection against predators, making them difficult to crush.
These wasps are found in open, dry, sunny areas with sandy soil, such as lawns, fields, and meadows. They are active during daylight hours, particularly in warmer months. Adult red velvet ants primarily feed on nectar from flowers.
Their ecological role is as parasitoids; female red velvet ants seek out the nests of ground-nesting bees and wasps, where they lay their eggs on the host’s larvae or pupae. The developing red velvet ant larva then consumes the host, regulating other insect populations. To avoid encounters, wear closed-toe shoes in grassy or sandy areas and avoid handling unfamiliar insects.