insect identification - Ask Extension
What is this red and black ant like insect What is this red and black ant like insect
Knowledgebase
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
https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/13350
Deb