Identify Velvet Ants by Species
In the past I have received more than one spanking for misidentification of species. As of my last post of a Dasymutilla observation, I was able to ask an expert the following:
"What is the visual difference between aureola and magnifica?"
Many thanks to Kevin Williams, CURATOR.
Dasymutilla magnifica has a black head and thorax. It's hard to separate from D. klugii, and those are usually separated by distribution (D. magnifica mostly in California and Arizona hot deserts; D. klugii mostly in New Mexico and Texas).
Dasymutilla aureola is a Pacific species with a short thorax, thick head, and uniform white to red setae on the head, thorax, and abdomen.
Kevin
as well, there are MANY excellent and fascinating photos too be found on the following project:
Mutillids of the World
Comentarios
Thanks, Jim. I appreciate the distinction between aureola and magnifica. Often I get a disagree and hear no explanation. It should be a standard response to include the differences. Thanks!
Good to know! Thanks for sharing, Jim! I had a similar experience recently between D. sackenii and D. coccineohirta.
What about Sacken's Velvet Ant Dasymutilla sackenii???
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