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insect identification #702184

Asked July 17, 2020, 9:32 PM EDT

What is this red and black ant like insect What is this red and black ant like insect

St. Mary's County Maryland

Expert Response

This is called a velvet ant but it is not an ant. They are wasps and are parasites of ground-nesting bees and wasps. Their other common name is cow killer because apparently they have a painful sting. But very rarely do they sting people. It is best just to leave them alone.
https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/13350

Deb

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