Ephutomorpha pacificatrix

Meaning of name: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Remarks: This insect is approximately 7 millimetres long.

Commonly called velvet ants, these are wasps, not ants. Female velvet ants are wingless and look like ants. They search the ground looking for the nests of other wasp species. The velvet ant will lay her eggs in the other wasp’s nest. The young velvet ants will feed on the food stores laid down by the other wasp mother.

We have photographed this species in November, December and April.

References: Identification courtesy of Geoff Byrne.

What Bug is That?http://anic.ento.csiro.au/insectfamilies/biota_details.aspx?OrderID=27447&BiotaID=29807&PageID=families

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