The paradox of the velvet-ant (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae)

By

Schmidt, Justin O.
Schmidt, Li
Schmidt, Deborah

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2021

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

84

Pages

327--337

Subjects

Dasymutilla vesta;Dasymutilla bioculata , predation;venom;aggregation

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.84.68795

 

Abstract

Female diurnal velvet-ants are among the insects most strongly protected against predation. These protections include an exceedingly hard and tightly fitting integument, powerful legs and rapid running ability, aposematic color, aposematic warning stridulation, aposematic odor, and, most famously, legendarily powerful stings. Small to medium-sized velvet-ants were rarely injured or killed in tests against potential predators. Velvet-ant stings are painful, often exceedingly so, but have low toxicity or lethality and are of defensive value primarily by causing intense pain. Despite being well defended against predators they do not form night-time resting aggregations that might enhance mutual protection.