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

Posted on July 2, 2020 11:54 PM by jwparker2 jwparker2

Comments

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!

Posted by markkjames over 3 years ago

Good to know! Thanks for sharing, Jim! I had a similar experience recently between D. sackenii and D. coccineohirta.

Posted by klyle161 over 3 years ago

What about Sacken's Velvet Ant Dasymutilla sackenii???

Posted by jwparker2 almost 3 years ago

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