Velvet ants are known for their vibrant colors and dense, velvety hair, which can range from bright scarlet or orange to black, white, or gold. Despite their common name, they are not ants.
Bite or Sting? Unmasking the Velvet Ant
Velvet ants do not bite; instead, the female possesses a potent sting. They are solitary wasps, not true ants, belonging to the family Mutillidae. Females are wingless and often seen scurrying across the ground, resembling large, hairy ants. This ant-like appearance and fuzzy bodies give them their “velvet” designation. Their sting is primarily a defense mechanism.
The Potent Sting: What to Expect
The sting of a female velvet ant is renowned for its intensity, earning some species the nickname “cow killer” due to the excruciating pain it can impart. While the sting is extremely painful, it is generally not considered medically dangerous for most people, and there are no reported cases of it killing a cow or a human. The pain level can rank as high as a 3 on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, described as “like a hot knife stabbing into flesh.”
Upon being stung, individuals typically experience sharp, burning, and throbbing pain at the sting site. Localized symptoms may include redness and swelling around the affected area. The intense pain is usually short-lived, often subsiding within a few minutes to an hour, though some reports indicate it can last for several hours.
The venom contains compounds such as histamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, which contribute to the pain and localized inflammation. While the pain is severe, the venom itself is not considered highly toxic, being less toxic than that of honeybees or harvester ants.
Identifying and Avoiding Encounters
Velvet ants are characterized by their bright coloration, which serves as a warning signal to predators, and their dense, velvety hair. Female velvet ants are wingless and range in size, with some species reaching up to 1 inch in length. In contrast, males have wings and typically resemble other wasps; importantly, male velvet ants cannot sting. When disturbed, female velvet ants may also produce a squeaking sound by rubbing abdominal segments together, which acts as another warning.
These solitary wasps are often found in open, dry, and sunny areas with sandy soil, such such as pastures, fields, and lawns. They parasitize the larvae and pupae of ground-nesting bees and wasps, laying their eggs near the host.
To avoid encounters, it is advisable to wear shoes when walking in grassy or sandy areas, especially during warmer months. Observing them from a distance is recommended, as they are not aggressive but will sting if handled or accidentally stepped on.
Managing a Velvet Ant Sting
If a sting occurs, the sting is typically not life-threatening. First, thoroughly wash the sting area with soap and water to clean the wound and reduce infection risk. Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the sting site for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage the discomfort. Oral antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, or topical hydrocortisone cream may also reduce itching and localized allergic reactions. Avoid scratching the sting site, as this can break the skin and lead to further irritation or infection. While severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare, symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue require immediate medical attention.