This weekend I spotted an insect I’d never seen before, but luckily its uniqueness made it easy to identify: the red velvet ant (Dasmyutilla occidentalis). Despite its name (it’s also known as “cow killer”), it is actually a wasp. It is the largest of the velvet ants. They’re parasitic to immature wasps and ground-nesting bees, utilizing their nests and eating through cocoons to lay their own larva. The one I came across was wingless which indicates it was a female. The name cow killer is said to refer to their painful sting, but they are not actually known to sting cattle. Although their sting is painful, they are known to be non-aggressive and will seek cover if pursued — which is just what this one did when I tried to get a picture of it. They can even emit a “squeaking sound” when disturbed. This species is uncommon and does not require any kind of control (e.g. pesticides) to manage.