Mutillidae

Velvet Ant (Mutillidae), Dasymutilla, Albuquerque

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Dasymutilla occidentalis (3726943361)

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Brothers 2017 Proposed higher classification of Mutillidae

Mutillidae are a family of wasps known for their wingless females, which resemble large, hairy ants. They are commonly referred to as velvet ants due to their dense pile of hair, which often exhibits bright and striking colors. This family includes over 3,000 species distributed worldwide, with a significant diversity found in desert and tropical environments. The name "Mutillidae" derives from the Latin words "mutus," meaning mute, and "illa," meaning a small thing, which may refer to the seemingly quiet nature of the wingless females. However, when disturbed, many species can produce a squeaking sound by rubbing segments of their abdomen together.

Description

Mutillidae females are easily recognizable by their dense, velvet-like hair and lack of wings, which makes them resemble ants, hence the common name "velvet ants." The males of the family, in contrast, do possess wings and are often mistaken for bees or wasps. Both genders exhibit aposematic coloring, warning potential predators of their potent sting. The sting of the Mutillidae is reputed to be extremely painful, earning them another common name, "cow killers," although this is somewhat of a misnomer as their sting is not lethal to large mammals.

Behavior

Velvet ants are solitary insects, with females often seen wandering on the ground in search of host nests. They are parasitoids, meaning their larvae feed on the brood of other insects. A female velvet ant will infiltrate a host nest, such as those of bees or other wasp species, and lay her eggs near or on the host larvae. Upon hatching, the velvet ant larvae consume the host larvae, eventually leading to the death of the host.

Habitat

Mutillidae can be found in various habitats ranging from desert to tropical environments. They are particularly abundant in areas with sandy soil, where they can easily search for the nests of their host species. Despite their widespread distribution, velvet ants are not commonly seen due to their solitary nature and the females' tendency to roam alone.

Defensive Mechanisms

The bright, aposematic coloring of Mutillidae serves as a warning to potential predators about their potent sting. In addition to their visual warning, velvet ants have a hard exoskeleton, which provides significant protection against attacks. When threatened, they can also emit a high-pitched sound as a secondary defense mechanism to deter predators.

Taxonomy

The family Mutillidae is part of the order Hymenoptera, which also includes ants, bees, and other wasps. Within the family, there are several genera and over 3,000 described species, making it one of the largest families within Hymenoptera in terms of species diversity.

Conservation

While many species of Mutillidae are not currently considered endangered, their habitats are increasingly threatened by human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and climate change. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of these unique insects and the ecosystems they inhabit.