THe HyMENOPTERA OF MINNESOTA 209 
pubesence over their bodies, upon which occur sharply outlined mark- 
ings of bright colors, or ivory-like spaces. Some of the species are 
bright red, others yellow or orange. They are frequently called ‘“vel- 
vet ants,” also “cow ants” and “‘cowkillers.” The family is distributed 
over the entire world, but is apparently most common in South 
America. About two hundred species occur in the United States, 
largely in the southwest. 
Dasymutilla ferrugata F., D. macra Cress., D. cypris Blake, D. 
(Bruesia) asopus Cress., D. vesta Cress., D. bioculata Cress., Nomiae- 
phagus sanbornii Blake, Mutilla (Sphaeropthalma) mutata Blake oc- 
cur in Minnesota. 
PSAMMOCHARIDAE 
(Pompilidae ) 
Wings not folded longitudinally in repose; a constriction between first and 
second abdominal segments; legs very long, posterior femora when directed back- 
ward extending beyond middle of abdomen, 
These are , slender 
long-legged wasps with 
abdomen united to thor- 
ax by a very stout stalk. 
They are generally vel- 
vety black or blue, often 
with orange bands; 
wings are usually black 
and constantly kept in 
jerky motion while the 
insect is moving about. 
The family is almost 
cosmopolitan in its 
Fig. 99. Psammochares scelestus Cress. range. The species are 
large, many reach 2 or 3 
inches in length. They are frequently seen running rapidly over the 
ground “with quivering wings and vibrating antennae.” ‘Their sting is 
capable of inflicting a painful wound. Spiders are their special prey 
and they can easily conquer the largest spider. They are frequently 
called “spider wasps.” Their nests, usually in sand, are stored with 
spiders and caterpillars. In Texas, Pepsis formosus Say attacks ta- 
rantulas and is called “the tarantula killer.’ For an interesting ac- 
count of the habits of Pompiloides (Pompilus) and Agenia, see “The 
Spider Ravishers” by G. W. and E. C. Peckham, p. 125 et seq. Wisc. 
