Eastern Velvet Ant

Dasymutilla occidentalis is a member of Mutillidae in Hymenoptera. The name velvet ant refers to its appearance; its classification is among the parasitoid wasps. [4][1]

Dense red-orange hairs cover contrasting areas of a largely black body, particularly the thorax and dorsal abdomen. Females are wingless; males possess dark, translucent wings. The Virginia account gives approximately 19 mm for the eastern velvet ant illustrated there. [1][2]

The species occurs in the United States, extending from Florida north toward Connecticut and Pennsylvania and west toward Texas and Kansas. Sunny fields, meadows, forest edges and sandy ground provide habitat. [2]

Velvet-ant development takes place within another insect’s nest. A female places an egg near a suitable host’s immature stage; the developing larva consumes host brood and later pupates within the nest. Adults subsequently lead solitary lives. [1]

Adult nectar feeding is distinct from the larval parasitoid diet. The species account records associations with ground-nesting bees and wasps, including cicada-killer and horse-guard wasps. [2]

Females search the ground for potential host nests, while winged males seek mates. Defensive behaviour includes rapid escape and stridulation; the ability to sting belongs to the female. [1][2]

In a 2024 experiment, the venom peptide Do6a activated fruit-fly nociceptors through heteromeric Pickpocket/Balboa ion channels. The isolated peptide did not produce the tested pain-related behaviour in mice, where other venom peptides were active. [3]

In laboratory trials with a female Chinese mantis, Tenodera sinensis, a defensive sting from the wasp elicited aversive behaviour. These repeated trials involved the whole sting. [3]