Thistledown Velvet Ant vs Iron Cross Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thistledown Velvet Ant | Iron Cross Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dasymutilla gloriosa | Tegrodera aloga |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 12-20 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southwestern United States from California to Texas | Southwestern United States, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Thistledown Velvet Ant
A strikingly beautiful velvet ant covered in long white hair that resembles a piece of thistledown blowing across desert sand. The wingless females are a remarkable mimic of windblown plant material.
Did You Know?
Its white fluffy appearance camouflages it among the creosote seed pods and dried plant debris of its desert habitat.
Iron Cross Blister Beetle
A striking beetle with bright yellow and black cross-shaped markings on its elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent blistering agent.
Did You Know?
Swarms occasionally emerge in massive numbers after favorable spring rains in the desert.