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Velvet ants are beautiful from a distance, but beware – this is no ant; it is a type of wasp and, like most wasps, has a stinger. So, are velvet ants dangerous? We answer this below.
Despite their name, velvet ants belong to the wasp family of Mutillidae and are wingless wasps. Over 8000 species of velvet ant can be found, all of them covered with fuzzy, velvety hair earning them the name.
Similar to wasps, they can sting. Cats and dogs that often poke insects may end up with a swollen muzzle if they touch or eat them.
What Are Velvet Ants?
Velvet ants are bright orange and black in color, covered with a layer of bright fuzz.
Their bright color and defense mechanisms make them an unappealing food item for most potential predators.
The exoskeleton of velvet ants is 11 times stronger than that of a honeybee. Female velvet ants can sting using their modified ovipositor – the resulting pain can last for up to 30 mins.
Besides this, they release repulsive odors and loud squeaking noises to dissuade predators.
Despite not having wings, they have strong leg muscles allowing them to run at speeds of up to 14 centimeters per second!
They lead a parasitic lifestyle. Instead of making their own nests, the adult velvet ant will lay eggs on the pupae of another insect. The hatched larva then feeds on the pupa before emerging.
Is a Cow Killer Dangerous?
Velvet ants are also known as cow killers or cow killer ants because they deliver a sting so painful it is said to be enough to slay a cow.
But despite the colorful metaphor, they cannot kill cows, pets, or humans. However, as far as predators go, velvet ants are not a good insect to eat.
They have a very hard external layer, making killing them via crushing a challenging task. Preservationists often have to pierce their skin with a safety pin to inject medicines.
Does It Bite or Sting?
When threatened, the female of the species can sting. Their sting does contain venom. However, it is too low to be of any medical significance.
Compare this to the sting of honeybees, which is actually 25 times more toxic! Moreover, they are solitary wasps, unlike social wasps such as yellow hornets, so you are unlikely to get attacked by a herd.
How Painful is Its Sting?
This painfulness of the velvet ant sting depends on the velvet ant species, and currently, Dasymutilla klugii has the worst one.
This is rated a three on the Schmidt sting pain scale, where 4 is the highest recorded pain (a title awarded to the bullet ant).
Despite this, their sting is not fatal. A 3 on this scale would have a pain level comparable to having burning hot oil on your hand.
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Are velvet ants aggressive?
Velvet ants don’t attack by nature. They are non-aggressive and more prone to escape when threatened.
They also squeak loudly to warn off predators by rubbing their abdominal segments against one another and releasing a chemical odor.
If the predator still persists, they resort to stinging.
Can a Cow Ant Kill You?
Unlike some highly toxic wasps that attack in hordes like yellow jackets, velvet ants cannot kill humans or pets.
On stinging, the area affected is prone to redness and swelling. You can apply a cold compress to make it go down.
To date, there has been no recorded anaphylaxis or allergic reactions to their sting. However, it is still technically possible if someone is allergic to insect bites.
Are Red Velvet Ants Poisonous?
The venom of the red velvet ant contains minute levels of poison, which is medically negligible.
One can still have certain reactions like nausea, diarrhea, or even a headache after being bitten. But it is not fatal and does not require great medical attention.
Any redness is also localized to within 2 inches of the area stung. Hence there is nothing much to worry about.
Are Velvet Ants Dangerous to Dogs?
Dogs are, by nature, curious and prone to chewing things. If they happen to threaten or pick up a red velvet ant, they could get stung.
In such cases, they may need medical attention. The sting will eventually subside, but the dog might suffer pain for a little while.
Can a Velvet Ant Kill a Dog?
The sting of adult velvet ants cannot kill a dog or a cat. However, it will be quite painful, and the animal will need to be treated by a veterinarian.
The vet will ensure that they do not lick or bite the wounded area until it gets better by putting on an anti-licking collar.
What Do Velvet Ants Eat?
A velvet ant larva will consume the pupa they were born on and any other cocoon or larva they can find.
As adults, velvet ants survive exclusively on nectar and water – a similar diet to that of most other wasps.
Where Are Velvet Ants Found?
Within the US, they run all the way from Connecticut in the west to Missouri in the east, and then Florida to Texas, going from north to south.
There are also species that are native to the Eastern United States, such as the Dasymutilla occidentalis.
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Do Velvet Ants Fly?
Wingless females cannot fly(but have stingers). Males, on the other hand, have wings and can fly.
However, velvet ants typically are not great flyers and do not fly long distances. They prefer to crawl on the ground, which is why they are often confused for ants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Red Velvet Ants Harmful to Dogs?
Yes, they can sting dogs that get too close to them or eat them – which causes excruciating pain. Thankfully, they are not poisonous enough to kill dogs.
However, the dog might require a bit of medical care for some time. A visit to the vet would be a good idea in such cases.
What happens when you get stung by a velvet ant?
General symptoms include a large localized swelling and redness, followed by pain.
The pain will usually subside in half an hour and then can be treated with a cold compress and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Some people might experience nausea and headaches during the peak of the sting.
Can you squish a velvet ant?
Their resilient and hard exoskeleton makes it very difficult to squish them. This is why when you find a velvet ant, it’s best to use a third object to transport them out.
Common ant or bee control methods, such as squishing, do not work effectively because it is very hard to squish these bugs because of their exoskeleton.
Are velvet ants rare?
In the US, velvet ants are common across local hotspots that we mentioned earlier, and there are over 8000 species.
However, in other countries like the UK, they are quite rare, and only 3 three species have been found to date.
In general, they are not very noticeable as they do not congregate or pose any special threat to plants as pests.
Wrap Up
Velvet ants are dependent on the host species on whose pupa they lay eggs (such as ground-nesting bees). Generally, they prefer sunny, dry, and open areas.
These bugs are not lethal, and their poison is not very effective against either humans or pets.
However, if you live in a velvet ant hotspot, it’s best to leave them alone and transport them away so that your pets remain safe. Their sting can leave quite a bit of pain.
Thank you for reading!
1 Comment. Leave new
just found a cow killer in my flowers (Aug 1, 2013 Do they really kill cows? I heard they kill them instantaneously!!!!!!!!!!!