Klug's Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla klugii
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Pompiloidea
- Family: Mutillidae
- Subfamily: Sphaeropthalminae
- Tribe: Dasymutillini
- Genus: Dasymutilla
- Species: klugii
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dasymutilla klugii: //ˌdæzɪˈmjuːtɪlə ˈkluːdʒiaɪ//
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Summary
Dasymutilla klugii, or Klug's velvet ant, is a commonly encountered species of velvet ant in Texas, distinguished by its large size and head structure. It has a parasitic relationship with cicada-killer wasps.
Physical Characteristics
Large size (never under half inch), head narrower than thorax.
Identification Tips
Easily recognized by its large size and the black integument of the abdomen, distinguishing it from D. magnifica which has a red abdomen.
Habitat
Found in south-central North America, particularly in Texas.
Distribution
From Utah to Puebla, including Texas.
Diet
Parasitic wasps; incubate their young in hosts like cicada-killer wasps (Sphecius grandis).
Ecosystem Role
Involved in the lifecycle of cicada-killer wasps as a parasite.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Though called velvet ants, they are actually parasitic wasps and not true ants.
Tags
- velvet ant
- Dasymutilla klugii
- Klug's velvet ant
- parasitic wasps
- entomology