Dasymutilla aureola

(Cresson, 1865)

Pacific velvet ant

Dasymutilla aureola, commonly known as the Pacific , is a of solitary in the . Despite its , it is not an but a wingless female wasp. The species is found in the western United States and is characterized by its large, square-shaped and dense hair coloration in red, , or orange. Like other velvet ants, females possess a potent used for defense and subduing .

Dasymutilla aureola by (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Dasymutilla aureola Ueda by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Dasymutilla aureola female and male specimen by E.Jones. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dasymutilla aureola: //dæ.sɪˈmjuːtɪ.lə ɔːˈriː.ə.lə//

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Identification

Dasymutilla aureola can be recognized by its large, square-shaped relative to body size. The body is covered in dense, velvety hair that appears red, , or orange in color. Females are wingless, while males possess . The is part of the Dasymutilla , which contains many similar-looking species; precise identification may require examination of microscopic features or expert consultation.

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Distribution

Western United States. Specific state records are not comprehensively documented in available sources.

Human Relevance

Female Dasymutilla aureola can deliver a painful if mishandled, a trait common to female . The bright coloration serves as aposematic (warning) coloration to deter . The is not considered a significant pest and does not attack humans unprovoked.

Similar Taxa

  • Dasymutilla occidentalisAlso called 'cow killer,' this eastern North shares the red and black aposematic coloration and wingless female , but occurs in a different geographic range.
  • Dasymutilla gloriosaKnown as the thistledown , this has females covered in dense hair for (resembling seeds), contrasting with the brighter coloration of D. aureola.

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Sources and further reading