"Dasymutilla californica"
Velvet Ant, actually a wasp, found mostly on sunflowers at Antelope Island on this day. Adults feed on nectar, and
therefore pollinate, and larvae feed on ground bees. These insects can sting if mishandled. © Carol Davis, 8-8-2008
Dasymutilla vesta
This less hairy Velvet Ant was found in the same area as the velvet ant above. They really seems to like sunflowers. I hadn't seen one
of these since I was young so it was a treat to find both of these. © Carol Davis, 8-8-2008
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