The red velvet ant, Dasymutilla occidentalis, is a striking insect, often mistaken for an ant due to its wingless female form, but is actually a species of wasp. Its body is densely covered with short, velvety red and black hairs, a distinctive appearance that warns of its potent defense mechanism. The common name “cow killer” stems from the intense pain its sting can inflict, though it cannot harm large animals. Understanding its diet reveals much about its life cycle and ecological role.
Adult Red Velvet Ant Diet
Adult red velvet ants primarily sustain themselves on liquid food sources. Nectar from flowering plants provides the sugars necessary for energy, powering daily activities like foraging and reproduction. They also feed on honeydew, a sugary liquid secreted by aphids and other plant-sucking insects. Water is another important component of their diet, especially in warmer environments. While primarily liquid-based, they may also consume other insects like flies, beetles, bees, and wasps, particularly when liquid sources are scarce.
Larval Red Velvet Ant Diet
The diet of larval red velvet ants contrasts sharply with that of the adults, reflecting their parasitoid lifestyle. Female red velvet ants lay their eggs on or near the immature stages (larvae or pupae) of other insects. Common hosts include ground-nesting bees, such as bumble bees, and various species of wasps, including cicada killers and horse guard wasps.
After hatching, the larva attaches to and externally consumes the host’s body. This consumption is lethal to the host, as the developing larva relies entirely on the host’s tissues for its growth and development. The larva continues to feed and develop through several stages, eventually pupating within the host’s nest.
Foraging and Feeding Behaviors
Red velvet ants employ distinct strategies to acquire their food, depending on their life stage. Adult male velvet ants, which possess wings, fly low over plants and grasses in search of nectar. Wingless adult females actively traverse the ground, seeking nectar or honeydew. Both sexes are diurnal, active during daylight hours.
The foraging behavior of female red velvet ants is adapted to their reproductive needs. They methodically search the ground for the hidden burrows or nests of their target host insects. Females may dig through soil or break into nest walls to access the host’s brood chambers. Their keen senses of smell and touch are instrumental in locating these concealed nests and identifying suitable hosts. Once a host is found, the female lays a single egg, ensuring the developing larva has a dedicated food supply.