July 2, 2022

I am called "Common Eastern Velvet Ant"

But I'm actually a wasp that can make you go "OW!"

My venom isn't actually that toxic*

And it's a myth that I can kill a cow. 

*As with other bees and wasps, for most people the sting will hurt but not kill you. However, some people are allergic to certain venoms and can die from a sting, just as some people are allergic to peanuts or shellfish.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A536999730/HRCA?u=googlescholar&sid=googleScholar&xid=b699e504

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson