Velvet ants

[Raido Free America]

Just learned something about it. It's not a ant but instead it's a wingless wasp.View attachment 423098
Also know to be called cow killer ant.

I've seen a lot of these as a kid, didn't know their name, or genealogy, but they look like they can sting, so I didn't pet them!

 

[2busy]

That's where I seen it

 

[Snattlerake]

The sting is pretty bad. Got zapped when I was a kid; thing looked soft, so I had to check it out - an act that remedies itself. Like a cigarette lighter held on your finger.

I never got stung by one because I noticed that 1/2 inch long stinger that came out when I pinned them with a stick. They also hiss and buzz at you when they are pinned down. You can't hardly even wound them when you step on them. It takes a lot to even kill one. Tough SOBs!