RED VELVET ANT
Color: Black, with areas of very bright red, orange , yellow or white
Actual Size: 1/8” to 7/8”
Shape: Females – wingless, can look like a red and black ant Males – winged, wasp-like
Legs: 6
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found throughout US.and prefer open sunny areas.
What is a velvet ant?
Although commonly referred to as the cow killer ant or red velvet ant, this insect is actually a wasp. They get the “velvet” part of their name from the fuzziness of the females, which are wingless and often brightly colored, appearing like a red and black ant.
The powerful red velvet ant sting is what has led them to be nicknamed “cow killers”.
What do velvet ants look like?
Velvet ants are typically black, with areas of very bright red, orange, yellow or white. Females are wingless while males have wings.
