They’re called “velvet ants” but they’re actually wasps. The females have no wings so they look like large red and black ants. They’re covered in dense hair which is what gives them their velvety appearance.
Velvet ants are found in North America Europe Asia and Africa. In the United States they’re most commonly found in the southwestern states.
The females are the only ones that can sting and they’re known for having one of the most painful stings of any insect. The sting is so painful that it’s been described as feeling like “red-hot needles” or “burning acid.”
Velvet ants are solitary creatures and they don’t build nests. The females lay their eggs in the nests of other insects such as bees wasps and ants. When the velvet ant larvae hatch they feed on the host insects.
The females are known to be aggressive and they will sting humans if they feel threatened. If you see a velvet ant it’s best to leave it alone.
Do velvet ants sting or bite?
Answer: Velvet ants sting.
What does a velvet ant look like?
Answer: A velvet ant is a bright red or orange insect with black velvety hair.
Where do velvet ants live?
Answer: Velvet ants are found in the deserts of the southwestern United States.
What do velvet ants eat?
Answer: Velvet ants feed on the nectar of flowers.
How do velvet ants sting?
Answer: Velvet ants sting with a sharp stinger at the end of their abdomen.
What does a velvet ant sting feel like?
Answer: A velvet ant sting feels like a sharp burning pain.
Are velvet ants dangerous?
Answer: Velvet ants are not considered dangerous to humans but their sting can be painful.
What is the scientific name for velvet ants?
Answer: The scientific name for velvet ants is Aculeata.
How many species of velvet ants are there?
Answer: There are over 3000 species of velvet ants.
What is the most common color for velvet ants?
Answer: The most common color for velvet ants is red.
Are all velvet ants female?
Answer: All velvet ants are female.
Do velvet ants have wings?
Answer: Velvet ants do not have wings.
How big are velvet ants?
Answer: Velvet ants are about 1/2 inch long.
What is the typical lifespan of a velvet ant?
Answer: The typical lifespan of a velvet ant is about 2 years.
Do velvet ants bite?
Answer: Velvet ants do not bite.
