September 24, 2022

I am a Four-spotted Velvet Ant

My butt kind of looks like it has windows

My colors and reputation both say "Stay away!

And don't walk barefoot unless you want sore toes."

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Four-Spotted-Velvet-Ant

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 24, 2021

I'm a female Four-spotted Velvet Ant,

If I was a guy, I'd have little black wings

But I'm a female so you should fear me -

I probably won't kill you, but man, can I sting!

(Male Velvet ants do not sting.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef442

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson