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Velvet Ant Wasp

Hoplocrates moneta

Photo by Dan Doucette
Published on Project Noah
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3.91084, -76.7436

Field Notes

Description:

nearly an inch, hairy, gold markings on abdomen

Habitat:

rainforest, 1400m

Notes:

I've never thought of ants as attractive, in fact, I don't like them at all. I always seem to be getting bitten and stung by them but I have to say this ant is a beauty. It was on the move and tough to photograph but I wouldn't settle till I got at least a half decent photo of it.

Species ID Suggestions

Velvet Ant Wasp

Hoplocrates sp.

Reference Link
bayucca
1

Comments (8)
Dan Doucette
Thanks for the species, davidvader. I don't see too many images online so I will have to take your word for it.
davidvader
Hoplocrates moneta (Gerstaecker, 1874)
Dan Doucette
Thanks bayucca for the ID and chester and Scott for confirmation and for you comment Maria, thank you.
bayucca
Mutilidae, Velvet Ant Wasps, looks like Hoplocrates sp., most of the Mutilidae pictures are not identified.
ScottHarte
wow, beautiful spotting. And yes I would say a neat type of velvet ant as well
chesterbperry
I am inclined to think a velvet ant also, but that would make it not an ant at all ;)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Colombia Wildlife

Tags

Photographed
PublishedApril 11, 2013

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