AboutEric R. Eaton Expertise I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.
Experience Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.
Organizations Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers
Publications Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.
Education/Credentials Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.
Past/Present Clients Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.
Question Well, about 2 years ago I found a quite large fuzzy, red / black ant in my back yard when I was heading towards the pool. Only recently when I read a book about ants did I begin to think about this ant again. The day I found it I followed it for qutie a long time because it looked pretty actually, with its red and black fuzzy hair. :) I saw pictures of similar ants that are called Velvet ants that are actually wasps. But I live in the Eastearn Shore of the USA in maryland, around 15 miles from the beach...I didn't think this was a place for these types of insect.
Answer
Sean:
It was indeed a velvet ant, probably Dasymutilla occidentalis, the largest and most conspicuous species in that part of the country.
Velvet ants are found across the entire continent, though few get so large and gaudy. The females are the ones that are wingless and have an excrutiating sting (so I am told, have no experience thank goodness). The males have wings, can fly, and most look nothing like the females in color and pattern. They do not sting.
Velvet ants are parasitic on other insects, especially other solitary wasps and bees, but they may simply be opportunistic in many cases. Scientists know precious little about their life cycles, or even which male goes with which female!
Do enjoy your encounters with them. They are not all that common.
