Mutillidae (Velvet Ants)
Velvet Ants are hairy, brightly colored wasps, covered with orange, yellow, red, or black hairs. Their integument is exceptionally hard, and the wingless females can deliver a powerful sting. Velvet Ants invade the nests of other wasps and bees to lay their eggs (brood parasitism). Their carnivorous larvae devour the grubs of these other insects. They are uncommon visitors to flowers, but sometimes Velvet Ants seek nectar from members of the Carrot family and plants with extra-floral nectaries (e.g., Partridge Pea).