Velvet Ant
Order: Hymenoptera Class: Insects Family: Mutillidae
Velvet ants are actually wingless wasps. The female can sting and is considered venomous. This sting is so powerful that the velvet ant is called the cow killer because the sting is so painful it could “kill a cow”.
 |
Velvet ants are found all over Georgia and are most active during summer and fall. |
|
The venom of a velvet ant is no more harmful than a bee or wasp! |
|
The venom causes your skin to swell, turn red, and hurt. |
|
Velvet ants are usually found in grasslands. |
|
They are usually out during July, August, and September. |
|
Their colors are yellow, brown, black, red, and have short hair. |
|
Males have two wings and the females have no wings. |
|
They're easily confused with ants. |
|
The adults feed a nectar and water. |
