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Cow killer Ant
Dasymutilla Occidentalis
31.9438, -94.2441
Field Notes
Description:
While called "ant," it is actually a wingless female wasp that can inflict a painful sting. So painful is their sting it is said to "kill a cow." They do not, however, kill cows.
Although the male wasp has wings, the wingless female is the one most often noticed by people. Seeing this large, wingless wasp scurry about makes most people think that they are seeing a gigantic ant.
The most frequently encountered red are not generally considered as pests, they do occasionally invade residences in large numbers. But, when left alone, no harm is done. Their food can include flies, beetles, bees and other wasps.Be aware that if a child (or adult) tries to play with this insect or accidentally steps on one, the resulting sting will surely create a painful lifelong memory. After all the sting of the velvet ant can be severe enough to make someone think that it could kill a cow! Hence, the name "Cow Killer Ant" came to be.
Habitat:
Lone females can be found crawling on the ground, particularly in open sandy areas.
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