Velvet Ant vs Redheaded Pine Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Velvet Ant | Redheaded Pine Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dasymutilla occidentalis | Neodiprion lecontei |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Diprionidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 6-8 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Velvet Ant
Not actually an ant but a wasp. Females are wingless and covered in dense, colorful hair. Known as "cow killers" for their extremely painful sting. Parasitize ground-nesting bees.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants have been called the most indestructible insects — their exoskeleton is so tough that entomological pins bend when trying to pierce them.
Redheaded Pine Sawfly
The most widely distributed pine sawfly in eastern North America. Larvae can completely defoliate young pines, sometimes killing them.
Did You Know?
Larvae rear up in unison and regurgitate resinous fluid when disturbed as a group defense.