Usually I see this gal running around in the sand and as soon as I try to get a pic she runs really fast in a little hole to safety.

Well this time she wandered into the garage where DH was working. I said "WATCH OUT - COW KILLER" and he jumped! LOL!

I got a SS bowl and put a dime in for size comparison. This is actually a Red Velvet Ant or "cow killer"
Scientific Name: Dasymutilla occidentalis

It's not an ant at all but a female wasp without wings. The male has wings but does not sting.
Being called a "cow killer" I don't want to find out what her sting feels like.

I let her go in a different part of the yard.

We have a few of those around too! My DH says the sting HURTS! He messed with them when he was a kid & learned his lesson!

The Velvent Ant, or "Cow Killer Wasp" is not a pest and will not harm anyopne unless you happen to pick one up or step on it barefoot.
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/...rces/cowkiller.shtml

That's why I let it go. Just hope my dogs don't catch one.

So that's what it's called. We get a few here too...I thought mine had more black stripes on the tail section. Don't think I saw one at all this year........that's a good thing!


ve

isn't nature beautiful? that is one gorgeous 'ant'. i had to laugh.. could just imagine your DH jumping when you hollered.

I only see them one or twice a year so I was surprised to see her in the garage. She is beautiful. It's funny, if you try to stop or catch her she makes a squeaky noise. I guess it's a warning before she stings you.