Velvet Ant — printable fact sheet

Free to print or save as PDF. Great for classrooms, homeschooling, and young explorers.

Download PDF

Creature Atlas

Animal Fact Sheet

Name: ____________________

Date: ____________________

Velvet Ant

Dasymutilla occidentalis

The Velvet Ant, despite its name, is actually a species of solitary wasp known for its dense, brightly colored, velvety hair and powerful sting. Females are wingless and resemble large, hairy ants, while males possess wings and are less often seen. Found primarily in sandy and o…

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Mutillidae

Habitat

Dry, sandy areas, open fields, and meadows

Diet

Carnivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

1-2 years

Weight

0.02 - 0.05 grams

Scientific name

Dasymutilla occidentalis

Did you know?

Velvet ants can produce a squeaking sound by rubbing body segments together, a behavior known as stridulation.
Velvet ants are not true ants but are wasps, and only females can sting. Their sting is considered one of the most painful among insects, but it is not fatal to humans.

What I learned

Draw the velvet ant

Want the whole set?

Get printable fact-sheet packs, coloring pages, and classroom worksheet bundles for dozens of animals — ready to download and print.

Browse printable packs

Get a free printable each week

Join the newsletter for a new Creature of the Week + printables.