Nature of the Lake: Cow Killer

The south’s distinctive Red Velvet Ant isn’t really an ant at all. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Boone.

Cow Killer, Red Velvet Ant, Cow Ant, Eastern Velvet Ant, Mule Killer – it doesn’t matter what you call these bright red and black insects. What matters is that you know they are not ants – they’re wasps – and their stingers pack a wallop.

So don’t be tempted to pick up these “pretty ants” to take a closer look.