Velvet Ant

DESCRIPTION:

These insects are about 3/4 inch long and are usually black and red. They have a fuzzy body and look like a large ant.

BIOLOGY:

Family Mutilidae. These are actually wasps, but appear to be ants. They are parasites in the nests of ground-nesting wasps such as yellowjackets and sometimes solitary bees. They can be somewhat aggressive and can sting if handled.

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