Dasymutilla

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dasymutilla: //ˌdæsɪˈmjuːtɪlə//

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Summary

Dasymutilla is a genus of parasitoid wasps known for their painful stings and aposematic coloration. They primarily inhabit regions of the eastern United States and exhibit fascinating behaviors related to mating and parasitism.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the genus Dasymutilla can vary in size from 5-25 mm. They are characterized by their distinctive aposematic coloration, often displaying black with orange-red patterns. The females are wingless, while males have dark, translucent wings.

Identification Tips

Dasymutilla can commonly be mistaken for ants due to their appearance. They can be recognized by their large size (~1") and distinctive coloration with black and bright red on the upper side of the body. The females lack wings and possess a stinger, whereas males display wings and no stinger.

Habitat

Dasymutilla occidentalis is commonly found in eastern United States, ranging from Connecticut to Kansas and from Florida to Texas. They are typically seen in summer months.

Distribution

Widespread in the eastern United States ranging from the north (Connecticut, Kansas) to the south (Florida, Texas).

Diet

Adults are parasitoid wasps and their larvae consume host larvae, specifically targeting the brood cells of Eastern cicada killers and horse guard wasps, as well as other large ground-nesting wasps.

Life Cycle

Females mate once in their lifetime and subsequently seek out brood cells of host species to deposit an egg. The egg hatches into a white, legless grub which consumes the host larva and goes through several larval stages before pupation which takes around 23 days.

Reproduction

Males detect pheromones released by females and locate them by their stridulation sounds. Males carry females in their mandibles to shaded mating areas. After mating, females seek out the larvae of host wasps to lay eggs.

Predators

Not specifically listed, but their multiple defensive strategies help them evade predation.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role as both parasites and prey in their ecosystem.

Cultural Significance

Known commonly as 'cow killer' due to their painful sting, which ranks high on the Schmidt's sting pain index, they also play a role in studies of aposematic coloration and Mullerian mimicry in North American species.

Collecting Methods

• Netting during summer months where they are found

Preservation Methods

• Drying

Evolution

Part of the intricate Mullerian mimicry complex involving multiple species with pre-existing defenses sharing similar color patterns.

Similar Taxa

• Velvet ants (Mutillidae)
• Eastern cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus)

Misconceptions

Misidentified as ants, they are actually wingless female wasps and pose significant pain with their sting, hence the nickname ‘cow killer’.

Tags

• parasitic wasp
• aposematism
• Mullerian mimicry
• Dasymutilla
• cow killer