What is true about velvet ants?

Velvet ants, often recognized by their bright coloration and dense fuzz, are indeed categorized as parasitic wasps rather than true ants or bees. This classification stems from their biological and ecological characteristics, as they belong to the family Mutillidae within the order Hymenoptera. The female velvet ants are wingless and resemble ants, which can lead to some confusion regarding their taxonomy. Their parasitic behavior is notable; female velvet ants typically lay their eggs in the nests of other ground-nesting bees and wasps. Upon hatching, the larvae feed on the host’s brood.

Understanding this classification is crucial, as it highlights the distinct roles velvet ants play in the ecosystem compared to true ants or bees, which may engage in foraging or pollination. Additionally, it is accurate that velvet ants do not visit flowers, as their lifecycle and behavior are primarily oriented around finding nests of other insects rather than foraging for nectar or pollen.