Identification of a Large Red Insect
Posted by Jeni Thompson on August 5, 2007
Q: This insect that I've seen a couple of times in our yard is about 3/4-1 inch long. It is a velvety-red on the top with a three black stripes on its abdomen. The one my son caught for his collection got a little crushed (he's only 7), so I can't tell the color of the eyes, but I think they are black. Can you help?
State: Georgia
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: From your description, it sounds to me that your son caught a Velvet Ant (not a real ant but a wasp). The males are winged but females are wingless. This animal looks a lot like a big, fuzzy, red ant but the female has a nasty sting so caution is advised. Take a look at this website and see it if looks like what you have at www.whatsthatbug.com
Sure hope this helps and thanks for asking. If this doesn't seem to be correct after you look at some pictures, a photo of your animal would be really helpful.
John Wiessinger ( August 6, 2007)