Red Velvet Ant or Cow Killer
Dasymutilla occidentalis
Family Mutillidae (Velvet Ants)

Velvet ants are wasps with a common name that comes from the appearance of the females, which look like hairy ants. The males have black, translucent wings and look like wasps, although they are elusive and rarely seen.

Both have stingers, so don't pick them up for a closer view!

Daysymutilla occidentalis is nicknamed the "cow killer," after its ability to fight ferociously and inflict a severe sting that's said to be able to kill a cow.

Velvet Ants have black bodies that are covered with a thick coat of fine hairs in a variety of colors. All the females are wingless and resemble ants.

Adults feed on nectar. Velvet ants live all over the world, mostly in dry, sandy environments.