{"product_id":"california-velvet-ant","title":"California Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla californica)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"332\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese ants are sold exclusively through our\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/canada-ant-colony.com\/pages\/partner-network\" title=\"Canada Ant Colony Partner Network\"\u003epartner network\u003c\/a\u003e. Shipping costs may be higher for orders that have this item.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species also has\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esupercolonies.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo order colonies with multiple queens, order individual colonies here, and specify you want supercolonies in the \"Order notes\" section or by email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"332\"\u003eDespite 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. \u003cstrong\u003eDue to its sting, it is not recommended as a pet for children. Please purchase with caution, ESPECIALLY\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eif you have alergies to bee stings. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"569\"\u003eThese wasps typically have a reddish or orange hue and average a bit larger than 1cm, or ½ inch in length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"820\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003eThey 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003eVelvet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003ePhoto Credits go to Hawk T, Z, and Heather Dawnstar Sabin\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canada Ant Colony","offers":[{"title":"Pack of 1","offer_id":47098301284574,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 3","offer_id":47098301317342,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 5","offer_id":47098301350110,"sku":null,"price":174.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0081\/8928\/0333\/files\/Screenshot2025-07-09122742.png?v=1752078639","url":"https:\/\/canada-ant-colony.com\/fil\/products\/california-velvet-ant","provider":"Canada Ant Colony","version":"1.0","type":"link"}