Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Furry Wasp of Fury (or not)


Dasymutilla sakeni, sometimes affectionately called "velvet ants" or "cow killers," Tijuana Estuary Reserve, San Diego, California. These are really wasps, not ants, and appear to mimic spiders, possibly to prevent predation. Some of them, at least, pack quite a sting as evidenced by their name. These wasps belong to the Mutillidae family and have larvae that are parasitic on wasps, bees, ants and other members of family hymenoptera. The question of the day: did you get the corny pun? Hint: think Bruce Lee. ;-P

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