The red velvet ant is a species of wasp, not a true ant, despite its common name. Females are wingless and covered in dense, brightly colored hair, typically black with patches of orange-red, giving them a fuzzy, ant-like look. This distinctive coloration acts as a warning to potential predators. The common nickname “cow killer” stems from the female’s extremely painful sting, though its venom is not strong enough to harm a cow.
Global Distribution
Red velvet ants are widely distributed throughout North America. Their range extends across the United States, from Connecticut in the north down to Florida in the south, and westward towards the edge of Texas and into southeastern Colorado and Kansas. Some species can also be found in southern Canada and Mexico.
Preferred Environments
These wasps thrive in dry, warm, and sunny conditions. They typically inhabit areas with sandy or loose, well-drained soils, ideal for burrowing and host insect activity. Such habitats include pastures, open fields, meadows, and forest edges. The presence of ground-nesting bees and wasps, which serve as hosts, is a significant factor.
Life Cycle and Host Dependence
The habitat preferences of red velvet ants are deeply connected to their parasitic life cycle. Female red velvet ants search for the nests of ground-nesting bees and wasps, such as cicada killers, horse guard wasps, or bumble bees. Once a suitable host nest is located, the female enters it and lays a single egg on or near the host’s larvae or pupae. She then departs, leaving the developing larva to parasitize its host.
The red velvet ant larva hatches and consumes the host, developing through several stages within the host’s nest. This parasitic dependency means red velvet ants are found where their specific host insects are abundant. Adult red velvet ants emerge from these host nests and primarily feed on nectar and water.
Common Encounter Locations
Red velvet ants are often encountered in various outdoor settings, especially during warmer months. Homeowners might spot the females rapidly moving across bare ground, sandy pathways, or driveways. They are also commonly found in lawns and gardens, particularly in areas with loose soil or sparse vegetation. Occasionally, these solitary wasps may wander into buildings, though they do not infest structures.