It’s hard to believe that something so small and seemingly innocuous could be one of the most dangerous insects in North America but the velvet ant is just that. Also known as the cow killer ant this creature gets its name from the dense layer of hair that covers its body giving it a velvety appearance. Beneath that fuzz however is a lethal sting that has been known to kill cows – hence its other nickname.
While the cow killer ant is not aggressive and will only sting humans if provoked that sting is incredibly painful and can be fatal if not treated quickly. The venom of the cow killer ant is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and respiratory failure in humans. In cows the sting can cause anaphylactic shock leading to death.
While there are no recorded human fatalities from cow killer ant stings there have been several cases of people being hospitalized after being stung. In one case a woman in Texas was stung multiple times by a cow killer ant while working in her garden. She experienced severe pain and swelling at the site of the stings and was taken to the hospital where she was treated with anti-venom and released.
If you come across a cow killer ant it’s best to leave it alone. If you must remove it from your premises be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from its sting.
Are velvet ants dangerous?
Yes they are.
The females have a particularly painful sting.
Do velvet ants bite?
The males do not have stingers and cannot bite.
The females can but their sting is much more dangerous.
How painful is a velvet ant sting?
The sting is very painful and has been described as feeling like a burning sensation.
What do velvet ants eat?
They are attracted to sweets and nectar and are known to eat honeydew.
Where do velvet ants live?
They are found in North America Central America and parts of South America.
What do velvet ants look like?
They are black or reddish-black in color and their bodies are covered in velvety hair.
What is the scientific name for velvet ants?
The scientific name for velvet ants is Mutillidae.
How many species of velvet ants are there?
There are over 7000 species of velvet ants.
What is the size of a typical velvet ant?
They range in size from 0.
5 to 1 inch long.
What is the lifespan of a velvet ant?
The lifespan of a velvet ant is unknown.
Are velvet ants nocturnal?
Yes they are nocturnal insects.
What is the name for a female velvet ant?
The name for a female velvet ant is a cow ant.
What is the name for a male velvet ant?
The name for a male velvet ant is a drone.
Do all velvet ants sting?
Only the females have stingers.
The males do not.
What is the purpose of a velvet ant’s sting?
The sting is used for defense and for injecting venom into predators.
