Valentine Ant vs Black and Gold Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Valentine Ant | Black and Gold Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Crematogaster cerasi | Dasymutilla nigripes |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 2.5-4 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Central North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Valentine Ant
A North American acrobat ant common in deciduous forests and suburban yards. They typically nest in dead branches and old insect galleries in trees.
Did You Know?
Their heart-shaped abdomen gives them the charming nickname valentine ant.
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.