Velvet-ants
Guides
Ephuta
Ephuta is a widespread New World genus of velvet ants (Mutillidae) whose ecology remains poorly understood. The genus contains at least nine described species in Panama alone, with additional undescribed morphospecies. Ephuta species exhibit strong seasonal variation in abundance, peaking during the transition from dry to rainy season. As cleptoparasites, they develop in the nests of spider wasps (Pompilidae), with confirmed host records including Auplopus subaurarius in Brazil.
Lomachaeta
Lomachaeta is a genus of velvet ants (Mutillidae) established by Mickel in 1936. The genus includes species distributed across western North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America. A 2004 revision described six new species and consolidated several previously described species under L. hicksi. Host data have been recorded for at least some species, indicating parasitoid relationships with other insects.
Myrmilloides
Myrmilloides is a genus of velvet ants (family Mutillidae) established by André in 1902. The genus is currently considered doubtful in GBIF taxonomy, suggesting taxonomic uncertainty or potential synonymy with other genera. As members of Mutillidae, species in this group are solitary wasps with wingless females and winged males. The genus has been recorded in iNaturalist with 143 observations, indicating some level of field recognition despite taxonomic questions.
Myrmosinae
Myrmosinae is a subfamily of velvet ants (Mutillidae) within the order Hymenoptera. The group was historically considered primarily Holarctic in distribution, with limited representation in the Oriental Region. Recent taxonomic work has documented three new species from Thailand and Vietnam, extending the known range southeastward and establishing the first Oriental records for the genus Krombeinella. The subfamily is characterized by morphological features distinguishing it from other Mutillidae, with keys available for Old World genus identification.
Photomorphus
Photomorphus is a genus of velvet ants (Mutillidae), a group of solitary wasps in which females are wingless and often ant-like in appearance. The genus was established by Viereck in 1903. At least one species, Photomorphus (Photomorphina) archboldi, has been described from central Florida based on male specimens collected in malaise traps. Females of this genus are generally poorly known or undescribed for many species.
Sphaeropthalma facilis
Sphaeropthalma facilis is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, first described by Cameron in 1896. Like other members of the genus Sphaeropthalma, this species is likely a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this particular species are not well documented. The genus Sphaeropthalma contains multiple species distributed across North America.
Trogaspidiini
Trogaspidiini is a tribe of velvet ants (Mutillidae) characterized by morphological features of the male genitalia and body structure. The tribe includes genera such as Neotrogaspidia, which occurs across the Australasian, Oriental and Palearctic Regions. Members of this tribe exhibit complex taxonomic histories with frequent synonymies and transfers between genera.