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How to Identify Types of Wingless Wasps in Oregon

The family of insects known as the Mutillidae, or wingless wasps, are often described as velvet ants for their thick fuzzy skin and can be seen throughout the continental United States and in Oregon in particular, especially in sandy areas. Although the male of the species does have wings, the females are spotted with more regularity on the ground. The Mutillidae members are often called cow killers for their painful stings and should be approached with caution.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for the bright colors of the wasp's surface hair, which can be bright red, black, white, silver, blue or gold in color and resemble velvet. This coloring is called aposematic, meaning it is a bright color that serves as a dutiful warning to predators.
- 2
  Observe the wingless wasps' speed. They crawl quickly and can move a foot in under two seconds. If it moves quite slow, chances are it is not a member of Mutillidae or a wingless wasp.
- 3
  Expect to see the wingless wasp in areas that are particularly sandy. If you are near a beach or a sandy area, avoid them if possible as their stings are quite painful. Although they won't kill a cow, they can cause you quite a bit of soreness where the sting occurs.
- 4
  Watch for the wingless wasp to come out of the ground in an area where you have ground bees. The female lays her eggs where they can consume the larvae of other insects. They generally mate in the air with the male wasp, keeping them aloft.

Insects & Science