Species
Dasymutilla coccineohirta
Dasymutilla coccineohirta. Photo: (c) Eli, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
The genus Dasymutilla belongs to the Mutillidae family of wasps. The females of the genus are well known for their painful sting, which is where many gain their common name, Cow Killer. The female is wingless and often resemble large ants while the males still retain their wings. The larvae are external parasites to various types of hymenoptera. When disturbed, Dasymutilla makes a high-pitched squeaking sound identical to that of the Pogonomyrmex (Harvester ant).
Sightings
CLICK TO MANAGE