Timulla navasota
Timulla navasota is a of velvet ant ( Mutillidae), a group of wingless female known for their potent sting and aposematic coloration. The species belongs to a frequently mimicked by ground spiders in the genus Sergiolus, which share similar bold red, black, and white patterning. Like other mutillids, females are wingless while males possess wings. The species has been documented in North America with 134 iNaturalist observations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Timulla navasota: //ˈtɪm.jʊl.lə ˌnæv.əˈsoʊ.tə//
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Similar Taxa
- Sergiolus capulatusGround spider that exhibits striking mimicry of Timulla velvet ants, sharing similar red body, black legs, and black-and-white banded ; the spider lacks the 's potent sting and has eight legs rather than six
More Details
Mimicry relationship
Members of the spider Sergiolus, particularly S. capulatus, are suspected to mimic Timulla velvet ants including T. navasota. Both occupy similar —sun-dappled patches on deciduous forest floors—and share bold aposematic coloration. This represents a case of where the harmless spider gains protection by resembling the chemically defended .