These ants are about a half inch long, are black, but have an orangey-red fur or "hair" on them. My friend calls them "velvet ants". What are they? I always killed them thinking that they were what is called "Mexican Fire Ants", but now I know different, b/c after moving to the state of Texas they have tiny red ants that I understand are the fire ants instead, though. I'm curious if anyone knows these ants & if they sting or are poisonious.
Thanks!
2006-10-10 12:20:51 · 4 answers · asked by John V 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
They are red velvet ants, and they are actually in the wasp family. They have a fairly powerful sting but are not particularly aggressive. Check out the link below, with the text and photos from the Extension Agency.
http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg344.html
2006-10-10 13:11:04 · answer #1 · answered by Hauntedfox 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
they are velvet ants, also known as 'cowkillers'- for the red ones. and 'thistledown' for the white velvet ants, that are, like the other people said, in the wasp family. But actually the females are the only ones that you see on the ground, the males are all winged. apparently they sting, not bite, and it is excruciatingly painful, hence the name 'cowkiller'. so don't pick them up!
2006-10-11 00:14:04 · answer #2 · answered by thatdoglady 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hauntedfox and your friend are correct, they are velvet ants (and not fire ants like the last poster said). And well, hauntedfox already covered the rest of your question! Just wanted to reaffirm that she answered your question correctly :)
2006-10-10 22:29:58 · answer #3 · answered by Pnutsmom 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fire ants,there alot of them in florida.
2006-10-10 21:38:48 · answer #4 · answered by alleycat46534 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋