Red velvet ant, also commonly called cow ant, cow killer ant, or eastern velvet ant, is actually a species of parasitic wasps that belong to the family Mutillidae and is typically found in the eastern United States.

Dasymutilla occidentalis (red velvet ant, eastern velvet ant, cow ant or cow killer) [2] [3] [4] is a species of parasitoid wasp that ranges from Connecticut to Kansas in the north and Florida to Texas in the south. Adults are mostly seen in the summer months.

The red velvet-ant is the largest velvet-ant species, reaching about 3/4 inch in length. They are black overall with patches of dense orange-red hair on the thorax and abdomen. Males are similar but have wings and can not sting.

Red velvet ants are solitary and usually found only one at a time. To avoid these stinging ants, contact a pest management professional to safely remove any cow killer ants found in your home.

Velvet ants (Mutillidae) are a family of more than 7,000 species of wasps whose wingless females resemble large, hairy ants. Their common name velvet ant refers to their resemblance to an ant, and their dense pile of hair, which most often is bright scarlet or orange, but may also be black, white, silver, or gold.

The name velvet ant comes from the appearance of the wingless females, which – with their body shape and size, and covering of a dense layer of velvety fur – resemble a hairy ant. The vast number of species of velvet ant are spread over several continents.

See the Red Velvet Ant at the Audubon Insectarium. Learn more about their behavior, eating habits, and conservation efforts. Contact us with any questions!

Jan 1, 2025 · Commonly referred to as the cow killer or the red velvet ant, a velvet ant is not an ant at all but is actually a species of wasp. Belonging to the family Mutillidae, these insects are often mistaken for ants due to their similar size and shape.

Dec 6, 2022 · What Are Cow Killer Ants? Cow killer ants (Dasymutilla occidentalis), also called red velvet ants and eastern velvet ants, are a species of velvet ant. Velvet ants are wasps, but named for...

Jan 31, 2025 · Though it looks like a furry little ant, the Red Velvet Ant is actually a hairy, female wasp! Touching one is tempting fate. Males can fly, but females are wingless, and it is the female that can sting. She runs around the ground like ants do, confusing prey and predator alike.