Well. Monday’s Mystery didn’t take long to crack.
Jason C. nabs all ten points, with an extra point each to Josh King for picking the sex (female!) and James Trager for noting that this species mimics Larrea seeds as they blow across the desert sands.
Incidentally, it just so happens that several of these little furballs will be on hand for the insect zoo at this Saturday’s Insect Fear Film Festival, should you wish to see one alive.
Oh how very cool.
Great pics – and a beastie I really didn’t know existed.
THAT’S an ANT?? I had to go to one of my favorite reference sites and see more images of Dasymutilla gloriosa (http://bugguide.net/node/view/13123). Cool!!! Thank you!
Ant in common name only. It’s actually a wingless wasp.
I collected a velvet ant just west of Williams Lake BC a few years ago (52 deg N). I’m curious if anyone has encountered any at a higher latitude.
best
Rob
I think Sesame Street should create a new character based off this insect and name her “Glori”.
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