Safety note: Warning: Known for its painful sting, nicknamed 'cow killer.'
Despite its common name, the Eastern Velvet Ant is actually a wasp. Renowned for its striking red and black fuzzy appearance, it is a solitary species.
Habitat
Commonly found in dry, sandy areas with sparse vegetation.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar; larvae are parasitic on ground-nesting bees and wasps.
How common
Uncommon
Best time to see a Eastern Velvet Ant
The best time to see a Eastern Velvet Ant is June–August, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,824 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Not certain it is a Eastern Velvet Ant? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Eastern Velvet Ant sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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5,300+species
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