Canada Ant Colony
California Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla californica)
California Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla californica)
No se pudo cargar la disponibilidad de retiro
These ants are sold exclusively through our partner network. Shipping costs may be higher for orders that have this item. This species also has supercolonies. To order colonies with multiple queens, order individual colonies here, and specify you want supercolonies in the "Order notes" section or by email.
Despite it's name, the California velvet ant is not actually an ant! They don't produce colonies at all, and are instead solitary, wingless wasp known for its vibrant colors and extremely potent sting. Due to its sting, it is not recommended as a pet for children. Please purchase with caution, ESPECIALLY if you have alergies to bee stings.
These wasps typically have a reddish or orange hue and average a bit larger than 1cm, or ½ inch in length.
As these are wild-caught adults, we cannot guarantee their lifespan. Velvet ants are highly active and engaging—among the most entertaining insects to observe in captivity. Lifespans can range from a few weeks up to two years. In the wild, they are a parasitoid (their larvae eat other bee species' larvae) and thus captive bred specimens do not yet exist.
They have limited climbing ability, but we strongly recommend a secure-fitting lid. While room temperature is generally sufficient, a 60-watt bulb placed over a screened metal lid can boost their activity—particularly during evening hours.
Velvet ants can subsist entirely on fruits, honey, and beetle jelly, which provides essential moisture and nutrients. Be sure to mist the enclosure and jelly every few days, as the jelly can dry out under a heat lamp.
Photo Credits go to Hawk T, Z, and Heather Dawnstar Sabin
Compartir
- Description
- Reviews
These ants are sold exclusively through our partner network. Shipping costs may be higher for orders that have this item. This species also has supercolonies. To order colonies with multiple queens, order individual colonies here, and specify you want supercolonies in the "Order notes" section or by email.
Despite it's name, the California velvet ant is not actually an ant! They don't produce colonies at all, and are instead solitary, wingless wasp known for its vibrant colors and extremely potent sting. Due to its sting, it is not recommended as a pet for children. Please purchase with caution, ESPECIALLY if you have alergies to bee stings.
These wasps typically have a reddish or orange hue and average a bit larger than 1cm, or ½ inch in length.
As these are wild-caught adults, we cannot guarantee their lifespan. Velvet ants are highly active and engaging—among the most entertaining insects to observe in captivity. Lifespans can range from a few weeks up to two years. In the wild, they are a parasitoid (their larvae eat other bee species' larvae) and thus captive bred specimens do not yet exist.
They have limited climbing ability, but we strongly recommend a secure-fitting lid. While room temperature is generally sufficient, a 60-watt bulb placed over a screened metal lid can boost their activity—particularly during evening hours.
Velvet ants can subsist entirely on fruits, honey, and beetle jelly, which provides essential moisture and nutrients. Be sure to mist the enclosure and jelly every few days, as the jelly can dry out under a heat lamp.
Photo Credits go to Hawk T, Z, and Heather Dawnstar Sabin