Dasymutilla sackenii is one of a few hundred species of “Velvet Ant” in the arid western U.S and 8,000 species worldwide. They’re actually wasps, not ants, the females are wingless and search out sand nesting bees and wasps to lay their eggs on and parasitize. They’re not aggressive to humans but if bothered can deliver a considerable sting, lending to their other name, “Cow Killers”. This is the largest one I’ve ever seen!
