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