Black and Gold Velvet Ant vs Saxon Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black and Gold Velvet Ant | Saxon Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dasymutilla nigripes | Dolichovespula saxonica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Central North America | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black and Gold Velvet Ant
A medium-sized velvet ant with golden-orange hair on the thorax contrasting with its black legs and abdomen. It is found across the central United States.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants can survive being stung by almost any predator due to their nearly impenetrable exoskeleton.
Saxon Wasp
A social wasp that builds distinctive grey football-shaped nests in trees and bushes. It is generally docile and its colonies die off naturally by late summer.
Did You Know?
It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.