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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Ants, Bees and Stinging Wasps » Spider Wasps, Velvet Ants and allies (Pompiloidea) » Velvet Ants (Mutillidae) » Mutillinae » Trogaspidiini » Timulla » Timulla barbata
Photo#671322
Possible Mutillidae sp - Timulla barbata
Copyright © 2012 Wanda Smith

Possible Mutillidae sp - Timulla barbata
Tyler County, Texas, USA
July 9, 2012
Size: abt 1.5 cm
This possible Mutillidae sp was running and running, in and around dead leaves on the ground. I assume it's a male velvet ant sp. The white hairs near the antennae were particularly interesting to me. Unfortunately, since it was in constant motion, none of my pictures are very good.

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Possible Mutillidae sp - Timulla barbata Possible Mutillidae sp - Timulla barbata Possible Mutillidae sp - Timulla barbata
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Contributed by Wanda Smith on 9 July, 2012 - 8:29pm
Last updated 10 July, 2012 - 2:25pm

Timulla barbata, male
This is an excellent find! The banded wings separate T. barbata from all other Neartic Timulla, aside from T. ornatipennis, which also has banded wings. The long, dense white setae on the scape of the antenna separates this one from T. ornatipennis (which has only scattered, short hairs on the scape). Also, as far as I know, T. ornatipennis only reaches eastern Louisiana.

This species is very rarely collected and is only known from the male. I've only seen two specimens from Texas before, and have searched in vain for this species around Dallas and Houston. Females will likely be crawling in and out of the leaf litter and will be smaller than the male. If you see any more of these, of either sex, definitely collect them!

Moved from Velvet Ants.
… George Waldren, 10 July, 2012 - 2:25pm login or register to post comments

 
Thanks!
That's exciting! I will definitely collect if I find any more and contact you. Should I just put it in the freezer? Wanda
… Wanda Smith, 10 July, 2012 - 3:25pm login or register to post comments

 
Freezer is perfect!
Or, a small container with some paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol, which would keep the specimen pliable and is quicker. Either one works.

The females of this species are likely somewhat small. Male Timulla are much larger than females since they must carry the female while mating.

I really appreciate your help keeping an eye out.


… George Waldren, 10 July, 2012 - 3:41pm login or register to post comments

 
Good info!
Thanks--will use the alcohol. Wish me luck! We have been having quite a bit of rain but when bugs start coming out again, I'll be on the prowl. Interesting about carrying the female. Wanda
… Wanda Smith, 10 July, 2012 - 4:04pm login or register to post comments

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