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Velvet AntsIs it an ant? Thistledown velvet ant?
April 18, 2010
Hi Bugman, thanks for this website! I found a strange insect in Baja California (Cabo Pulmo) and i think that he may be an ant. He was alone between stones. His abdomen mouved a little (up and down). One centimeter long. He looks like other pictures of “Thistledown Velvet Ant”. Can you tell me if i’m right?
What a strange and beautiful animal!!!
Sorry for my poor english, i’m french.
Have a good day
Niea
Baja California Sur
Thistledown Velvet Ant
Dear Niea,
Please do not apologize for your English, which is better than that of many native speakers. Your identification is correct. This is a Thistledown Velvet Ant, Dasymutilla gloriosa, and you may read more about this species on BugGuide. There are some inaccuracies in your letter. A Velvet Ant is not a true ant, but instead, a flightless female wasp. He is actually a she. The pain associated with the sting of a Velvet Ant is reported to be severe.
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Comments 1
cutest ant ever!
Posted 04 May 2010 at 7:38 pm ¶Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.
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