4 replies to this topic

[mik123mik]

1. Location of collection: 30 mins inland of panama city FL
2. Date of collection: 05/27/2017
3. Habitat of collection: pine and oak forest
4. Length (from head to gaster): 8 mm
5. Color, hue, pattern and texture: dark orange and black head, bright orange thorax and a dark red gaster with fuzzy white stripes
6. Distinguishing characteristics: gaster's fuzzy white stripes
7. Distinguishing behavior: It moves slowly compared to other ants
 

album of ant
http://imgur.com/a/mDJtI

Edited by mik123mik, May 27 2017 - 12:27 PM.

[Jonathan21700]

Wingless wasp.

[VoidElecent]

This, my friend, looks like a species of flightless wasp, likely a member of the Timulla genus. Probably either Timulla vagans or Timulla floridensis. I would recommend releasing her, although you could theoretically keep her as a pet as long as you keep your distance and try not to get stung.

 

In the future, you should include the length of your specimen regardless of whether you actually know what it is. If you don't have a measuring instrument with you, even something like "About the size of a dime" or "The width of my thumb" would work; "not sure" is unfortunately very unhelpful.

Edited by VoidElecent, May 27 2017 - 12:18 PM.

[mik123mik]

I found a measuring tape, I thought velvet ants were bigger than that. Anyway, I'm going to release it, thanks for letting me know

Edited by mik123mik, May 27 2017 - 12:29 PM.

[123LordOfAnts123]

Velvet ant species encompass a wide range in size, 4-5mm species are common around my area. They can be found even smaller, and of course have giants in their family as well.