Cow killer ants suffer from an identity crisis.
They aren’t ants and generally don’t kill anything, although their sting is painful enough to tip a cow. These are velvet ants. But their sting packs a punch, hence the “cow killer” stage name.
These insects aren’t ants at all, despite their nickname. They are a wingless species of wasp. Like other wasps, they pack a powerful sting when threatened. Orlando exterminators often get a call after area residents have found this out the hard way.
Fortunately, these insects are solitary and don’t form colonies like ants or paper wasps. Although their fearsome name suggests they regularly take on whole herds of cattle, the wasps are generally placid, living on nectar and water. However, they won’t hesitate to sting if disturbed. Because of their beautiful color and fuzzy, cuddly appearance, they often attract the attention of young would-be entomologists who want to trap the striking creatures in a jar, but picking up a cow killer ant can have painful consequences.
Velvet Ant Wasp Species, AKA “Cow Killer Ant.” Scary looking.
“Cow Killers” aren’t the only wasp with a creepy name.
Cows may be safe from them, but some other wasp species should fear these insects. Velvet ants have a gruesome little secret in their development cycle. When another local species of wasp, the cicada killer wasp, drags its paralyzed prey into its burrow to lay eggs on it, the female velvet ant isn’t far behind her. The opportunistic “cow killer ant” waits until the cicada killer wasp’s eggs develop, then she lays eggs next to the other species’ eggs. When the tiny velvet ants hatch, they devour the cicada killer wasp’s offspring before they hatch. Now, that’s what we call a horror story.
This shockingly homicidal behavior only occurs with certain rival species of wasps, but a painful sting is always a risk when velvet ants are in the neighborhood. They’re hardy insects; collectors have even reported having trouble getting a pin through their samples. Because they aren’t ants, homeowners can’t use the same treatments that work on the region’s carpenter and fire ant colonies. Their life cycle also makes controlling pests challenging for anyone but professionals.
Choose ABC to keep cow killer ants and other harmful insects away from your home or yard.