Now on Android. Identify bugs offline-friendly, camera-first, no ads for the first week. Get the free app.
Get the App
Red Velvet Ant

Red Velvet Ant

Dasymutilla occidentalis

Order: Hymenoptera
Medium Risk

Description

The Red Velvet Ant, also known as the 'cow killer', is actually a type of wasp. The females are wingless and covered in dense, velvety hair, usually bright red or orange.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in open, dry, sandy areas such as fields and pastures.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae are parasitic and feed on the larvae of ground-nesting bees and wasps.

Behavior & Life Cycle

Females are known for their painful sting, which they use to defend themselves.
Recommended Products
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent

★★★★★ 4.6
$9.97

Long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies. Safe for use on skin and clothing.

View on Amazon
Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

Advion Cockroach Gel Bait

★★★★★ 4.6
$29.99

Professional-grade cockroach bait used by exterminators. High-performing formula that targets all major…

View on Amazon
Permethrin Clothing Treatment

Permethrin Clothing Treatment

★★★★★ 4.6
$14.99

Spray-on insect repellent for clothing and gear. Lasts through 6 washings. Effective against ticks,…

View on Amazon
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

★★★★★ 4.5
$14.97

Indoor & outdoor insect killer that creates a long-lasting bug barrier. Kills ants, cockroaches, spiders,…

View on Amazon
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent

★★★★★ 4.5
$7.49

DEET-based repellent providing up to 8 hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting…

View on Amazon
SafeRest Mattress Encasement

SafeRest Mattress Encasement

★★★★★ 4.5
$29.99

Premium bed bug proof mattress protector. Blocks bed bugs, dust mites, and allergens. Laboratory tested.

View on Amazon
Tick Removal Kit

Tick Removal Kit

★★★★★ 4.5
$8.99

Professional tick removal tool set with magnifier. Safe, complete tick removal without squeezing.

View on Amazon
Terro Liquid Ant Baits

Terro Liquid Ant Baits

★★★★☆ 4.4
$7.99

Attracts and kills common household ants. Liquid bait that workers carry back to the colony for total…

View on Amazon

Helpful Resources

Free AI Bug Identifier

Snap a photo, get the species name in seconds.

Bug Bite Identification

Identify any insect bite by symptoms, shape, and pattern.

Spider Identifier

Identify spiders by photo — venomous or harmless.

Get the Free Android App

Camera-first identification, offline library, favorites.

Bug Encyclopedia

Browse 1,000+ insect and spider species.

Bug Identification Blog

Pest control guides, identification tips, treatment.

Get Your Full Insect Report

Receive a detailed PDF report with identification details, treatment options, and prevention tips.