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 …

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 …

Dec 6, 2022 · Cow killer ants can be found throughout the U.S., but mainly on the eastern side of the country. They tend to prefer open areas, like clover fields, deserts, forest edges, and …

Although commonly referred to as the cow killer ant or red velvet ant, this insect is actually a wasp. They get the "velvet" part of their name from the fuzziness of the females, which are …

Jan 28, 2025 · The Cow Killer is a solitary wasp, more likely to be seen alone than in nests with hundreds of others. This wasp species is parasitic to Bumble bees. Females lay eggs in a …

Pest Status: The common name, “cow killer,” is thought to describe the painful sting these insects can inflict to man and animals, although it is doubtful that many cows are actually stung.

Jul 6, 2025 · In this article, we delve into what cow killer wasps are, their biology, the risks they pose to humans and animals, and how to manage encounters with them safely.

Nov 21, 2025 · The name “cow killer bug” is a misnomer. It likely originated from the excruciating pain of the sting, leading people to believe it was lethal to larger animals.

Cow killer ants, often called velvet ants, live in open, sunny areas like lawns, gardens, pastures, and non-shaded areas of forests. These red and black colored insects are wasps, not true …

Family called velvet ants, but are wingless, solitary, female wasps Not aggressive, but female can produce painful sting in defense (venom has low toxicity) Thick exoskeleton and dense hairs …