Dasymutilla occidentalis Dasymutilla occidentalis Dasymutilla occidentalis (red velvet ant or eastern velvet ant), is a species of parasitoid wasp native to the eastern United States. It is commonly mistaken for a member of the true ant family, as the female is wingless. The species ranges from Connecticut to Missouri in the north and Florida to Texas in the south. Other common names include cow ant and cow killer. The eastern velvet ant is the largest of the velvet ant species in the United States, attaining an approximate length of 0.75 in (1.9 cm). Adults display aposematic coloration, consisting of black overall coloring
Myrmecia (ant) the venoms from these ants are among the most toxic in the insect world. In Tasmania, 3% of the human population are allergic to the venom of "M. pilosula" and can suffer life-threatening anaphylactic reactions if stung; many human deaths have been recorded. People prone to severe allergic reactions can be treated with allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation). The generic name "Myrmecia" derives from Greek word "Myrmec-" (+ -"ia"), meaning "ant". In Western Australia, the Australian Aborigines called these ants "kallili" or "killal", meaning "lion-ant". Ants of this genus are popularly known as bulldog ants, bull ants or jack jumper ants. This