I remember learning in science class that many insects were brightly colored to tell birds that they were toxic or tasted bad. In this case, this insect is a red velvet ant (which is actually a huge wasp) and it's sting is so painful that it's been dubbed the cow killer. It's supposed to help control other insect populations, so it's good to have around, just bad to step on barefoot. Saw this one in our church parking lot last night as I dropped my boys off for youth group.
@randystreat This is the first one I've ever seen. But, while scary, they are supposed to be helpful. They are quite beautiful, too, all red and fuzzy. Strange wasps. @melpitts They supposedly lay their eggs in the holes of other insects and that helps control other insect populations, such as other wasps and cicadas. However, I'm with you. I'd be more afraid of stepping on on barefoot. But, we don't go barefoot outside here because of fire ants....and now red velvet ants!
@melpitts They supposedly lay their eggs in the holes of other insects and that helps control other insect populations, such as other wasps and cicadas. However, I'm with you. I'd be more afraid of stepping on on barefoot. But, we don't go barefoot outside here because of fire ants....and now red velvet ants!