The Versatile Venom of Velvet Ants: Nature’s Swiss Army Knife

Velvet ants are ‌not your average insects.⁤ These ground-dwelling creatures, often mistaken for ants, ⁢are actually parasitic wasps⁤ with a reputation for their painful stings. Their defense mechanisms include venom, warning coloration, strong exoskeletons, long stingers, and the ability to emit a loud‌ sound when threatened. According to entomologist Justin Schmidt, being ‍stung by a velvet ant ⁢feels like‍ hot oil ⁣burning your skin. Interestingly, various vertebrates also react to their sting – from mammals and reptiles to amphibians and birds.

Date: 2025-01-06⁤ 11:00:00
Original⁢ Source: www.sciencenews.org