These insects would spook me a little each time I saw one. This time I got a little braver to get a good picture - not knowing if the red was a danger warning - or a mimicking warning. Glad I didn't pet it as it gets its nickname, cow killer, for their extremely painful sting.It is a Mutillidae in the wasp family - also called a Red velvet ant. Pictured above is a female - they thankfully don't fly!
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The males dont sting, and the females dont fly, so you'll be alright!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh - thankfully this is not what flew into my car this summer.
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