A STING LIKE NO OTHER!

Velvet ants, despite their name, are actually a type of wasp belonging to the large family of  Mutillidae although there is only one species (it has notable status) in Britain, Mutilla europaea Linnaeus,1758, and it is uncommon[1]. They are striking parasitoids[2] with a bright, velvety appearance, with wingless females, resembling large, colourful ants. Their behaviour and venomous sting make them well-known to entomologists – and anyone who is stung!

The Velvet Ant Sting

Velvet ants are infamous for having one of the most painful stings among insects. It is the female velvet ant that possesses this potent weapon which is used as a defence if threatened. The venom injected is extremely painful and can cause intense burning and swelling at the site of the sting. While this sting is certainly unpleasant and can be dangerous for those allergic to insect venom, it is not regarded as life-threatening even though, in the USA, these hymenopterans are called “cow-killers!

The pain from a velvet ant sting (these wasps are common around the world and there are thousands of species) is often described as excruciating and lasting, and many who have been stung by one compare the sensation to a mix of fire and intense pressure. The venom contains a mix of toxins that can cause localized pain, inflammation, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction. The latest research[3] has revealed that these insects have multiple proteins in their venom that make it exquisitely effective against a wide range of victims, including other invertebrates, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Insect Stings in General

Insects like bees, wasps, and ants sting to protect themselves, their colonies, or in the case of some wasps, to capture prey. The venom they deliver during a sting can contain a variety of toxins, including proteins that affect the nervous system, causing pain, swelling, and irritation. In some cases, stings can lead to more serious effects, as above.

For most people, insect stings cause temporary discomfort, but for those with venom allergies, stings can lead to anaphylaxis – a severe, life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling of the face or throat, and a drop in blood pressure. For most stings, immediate treatment focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. This may include applying ice to the sting site, taking antihistamines to reduce swelling, and using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. If allergic reactions occur, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

To avoid stings, steer clear of insects like hornets, wasps (including velvet ants) and bees, especially during the warmer months when they are most active.

Betts Ecology scientists are aware of stinging insects in our work, the most common issue being wasps nests, although we have ben called upon to resolve incidents of swarming bees on occasion. Our general approach is one of conservation and protection of our invertebrate fauna, whilst keeping people safe.

 © Betts Ecology

[1] https://bwars.com/wasp/mutillidae/mutillinae/mutilla-europaea

[2] Parasitoids are organisms intermediate between a parasite and a predator, usually wasps, flies or beetles, that lay their eggs in or on other living arthropods (lepidopteran caterpillars in the case of wasps) which they eat alive, eventually causing the host’s death.

[3] DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.11.070