Review of adaptations of velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae). High-frequency components in the distress stridulation of Chilean endemic velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae). The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy. The usefulness of these signals isn’t exactly known.Īll cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. Thus, the emitted sounds include high-frequency spectral components in the ultrasonic range. In this sense, a 2019 scientific report showed that stridulation in this species differs from that of other genera from the same family. Even so, it has been suggested that these sounds could act as defensive warnings and/or mating signals. It should be noted that the ecological function of stridulation in these insects is unclear. This behavior adopted by a variety of arthropods, results from rubbing two rigid parts of the body. However, when disturbed, it emits peculiar, high-pitched, vibrant and chirping sounds, which are known as stridulation. In general, this species of insects is silent. They feed mainly on nectar, but females occasionally take advantage of ants, caterpillars or pupae/larvae. Diet of the panda antĪdult panda ants are solitary, meaning that they don’t form colonies of any kind. This dynamic shows a continuous and complicated struggle between resource producers and exploiters, which depend on the same resources for their survival. Therefore, this species, like other parasitoids, produces a larva that feeds on the host larva. Each female can lay up to 2,000 eggs throughout its two-year life cycle. When hatching, the larvae feed on their hosts. During flight, males identify females and lift them up in the air to mate.Īfter mating, the female lays her eggs in each pupa of other insects’ nests, such as bees or wasps. To address this point, it’s good to know the life cycle of the panda ant. In fact, experts know them by the common name of cow-killers due to their painful, but not deadly, sting. Sometimes, they sting humans and large grazing animals. Its sting is an adaptation that allows it to confront other aggressive species when invading their nests. In this species, non-flying females use their sting endowed with strong venom, to fend off enemies. Moreover, they’re equipped with a stinger and venomous glands, which give them a powerful sting. On the other hand, adult females, which are terrestrial, resemble ants in terms of physique and behavior. Additionally, only males have wings, which are narrow and transparent. Usually, its size reaches about 0.8 centimeters (2 inches), with males being significantly larger than females. However, this species has a clear sexual dimorphism. In both sexes, the antennae and legs are covered by short black spines. This striking pigmentation is aposematic, serving as a warning for predators of their painful and powerful sting. The insect is velvety white on the head except for the eyes, with black and white patches on the body. The most eye-catching feature of the panda ant is its pigmentation, evocative of a panda bear. The unmistakable appearance of the panda ant To accomplish its mission, the panda ant uses its remarkable defensive repertoire, which includes a powerful sting, warning squeaks, deterrent pigmentation, a trace of chemicals, and a variety of evasive tactics. This prolonged search exposes the female, but she’s ready. On the other hand, the absence of wings in females, allows it to explore by land the future home of its eggs. Moreover, nature ensures that only the strongest reproduce themselves, as the copulation is done during flight and only the largest males are selected. First, its powerful exoskeleton is the first line of protection during the invasion of host nests of biting insects. The panda ant has several adaptations that allow it to exploit other aggressive insects and make them their hosts. Dressed to invade: adaptations to be a warrior Hence, specimens of the panda ant have been reported in Chile, Argentina, parts of Mexico and Southwestern U.S. It’s known to live for about two years and prefers to colonize dry and sandy areas. In this family, only males tend to have wings.Īlthough the species was discovered about 80 years ago in Chile, there are relatively few studies concerning it. The Mutillidae family, encompassing more than 4,200 species, is characterized by a marked sexual dimorphism. Despite its ant appearance, it’s actually a parasitoid wasp. The panda ant ( Euspinolia militaris) or velvet ant is a hymenopterous insect in the Mutillidae family.
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