Velvet Ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) are a unique group of wasps that are extremely diverse in the state of Oklahoma. Primarily found in dry, sandy environments, wingless females of these wasps are commonly found roaming around the ground looking for prey and nest sites of other insects to lay their eggs. They are often fairly hairy, and brightly colored in orange, reds, whites and blacks. The bright coloration is thought to warn others about their painful sting.
As land and water use changes habitats across the state of Oklahoma, it is unknown how these insects and other animals are being relatively affected. Currently there is a state-wide checklist of velvet ants found in Oklahoma. However, because Oklahoma is so diverse with habitats, we here at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History are attempting to do a county-by-county survey of velvet ants. This will allow us to a.) see what species are found in what county and corresponding to different habitats and b.) see where and what habitats velvet ants are no longer found in by comparing the data to our state's museum collection data of specimens found in the turn of the century. By figuring out the where and when's these species are found in Oklahoma, we then can find out the reasons why they aren't and maybe are no longer to surviving in certain environments. less ↑