Knowledgebase

velvet ant? #875377

Asked June 30, 2024, 5:13 PM EDT

I have seen what appear to be wingless, furry, orange bumblebees crawling on the ground near one of my gardens. Could they be a variety of velvet ant? Thank you.

Crook County Oregon

Expert Response

It could be. I saw one earlier in the year in Lane County. Where are you located?
Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied July 01, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
I'm about 10 miles east of Prineville, on Mill Creek Road, about a mile from Highway 26 and the Ochoco Reservoir, at about 3700 feet of elevation.

I've seen these insects before, so I'll probably see them again. Next time, I'll be sure to take a picture.

Thank you for your quick response.

Rick Boney

------ Original Message ------
From "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>
To "Richard Boney" <<personal data hidden>>
Date 7/1/2024 9:43:32 AM
Subject Re: velvet ant? (#0145295)

The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 6:39 PM EDT
Absolutely likely in Central Oregon. Especially this time of the season. They are amazing creatures!
Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied July 03, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
Andony, here's a photo of another velvet ant seen here. This one is about a third of the size (mass) of the one that I saw several weeks ago.

Rick Boney


------ Original Message ------
To "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>
Date 7/1/2024 3:34:02 PM
Subject Re[2]: velvet ant? (#0145295)

I'm about 10 miles east of Prineville, on Mill Creek Road, about a mile from Highway 26 and the Ochoco Reservoir, at about 3700 feet of elevation.

I've seen these insects before, so I'll probably see them again. Next time, I'll be sure to take a picture.

Thank you for your quick response.

Rick Boney

------ Original Message ------
From "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>
To "Richard Boney" <<personal data hidden>>
Date 7/1/2024 9:43:32 AM
Subject Re: velvet ant? (#0145295)

The Question Asker Replied August 12, 2024, 7:03 PM EDT
Very cool. You should get yourself a copy of this excellent new field guide:
https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/<personal data hidden>43/velvet-ants-of-north-america
Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied August 19, 2024, 5:07 PM EDT

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