Cow killer

Dasymutilla occidentalis

Cow killers, or Mutillidae, are a family of wasps. The wingless females of this species look like hairy ants. They are called velvet ants because of their dense pile of hair. The hair is usually bright red or orange.

They are known for their very painful stings. Because of the stings, they are called "cow killer" or "cow ant".

Mutillidae live all over the world. There are over 8,000 species.[1]

References

  1. "Cow Killer". University of Florida Institute of Food. Retrieved February 20, 2017.