Trogaspidia sp, (Mutillidae)

Velvet ants mating (Trogaspidia sp, Mutillidae)

Trogaspidia is a genus of Velvet Ants (Mutillidae). In spite of its common name, they are actually wasps. The name Velvet Ants originated from the wingless female's resemblance to a hairy ant. While the mating occurred on a leaf, the male is capable carrying the female and mate in the air while flying, in which they did as soon as I attempted to step back and leave them alone.

They are also known as Cow Killer, due to the extremely painful sting of the female. Though not aggressive, the female will sting if handled.

When mating, the male grab the female on the neck with its mandibles.





Wasp identification a courtesy of Dr Doug Yanega, Entomology Research Museum, University of California, Riverside.