Dasymutilla flammifera
Mickel, 1928
Dasymutilla flammifera is a velvet ant described by Clarence E. Mickel in 1928. The species occurs along the Pacific coast of North America and extends inland to Idaho and Arizona. Like other mutillids, females are wingless and possess a potent sting, while males are winged. The species exhibits bright aposematic coloration typical of the .

Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dasymutilla flammifera: //ˌdæ.siˈmjuː.tɪ.lə ˌflæˈmɪ.fə.rə//
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Identification
Similar to Dasymutilla sackenii but distinguished by of the genae, coloration, and on the . The combination of very dark mahogany red body with scarlet pubescence is diagnostic. The was collected near Claremont, California.
Images
Appearance
Females are very dark mahogany red with scarlet on the , , and above; body length approximately 13 mm. Males have wings and are likely dichromatic from females, as is typical for the . The dense scarlet hair covering distinguishes this from similar .
Distribution
Pacific coast of North America from California northward; inland distribution includes Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon. The type locality is Claremont, California.
Similar Taxa
- Dasymutilla sackeniiSimilar overall but distinguished by of the genae, coloration differences, and patterns on the
More Details
Type specimen
The was collected near Claremont, California
Taxonomic history
Described by American entomologist Clarence E. Mickel in 1928
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Insect FAQs | Entomology Research Museum
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Dasymutilla bioculata
- The gloriously dichromatic Dasymutilla gloriosa | Beetles In The Bush
- A sting to kill a cow? Red velvet ant, a.k.a. cow killer, Dasymutilla occidentalis — Bug of the Week
- Mutillidae | Beetles In The Bush
- Bees vs wasps: what's the difference? - Buglife Blog - Buglife