velvet ant

noun

1. any of several fuzzy, often brightly colored wasps of the family Mutillidae, the wingless, antlike female of which inflicts a severe sting.

velvet ant

noun

1. a solitary digger wasp of the family Mutillidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of velvet ant¹

An Americanism dating back to 1740–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of velvet ant¹

C19: so named from the wingless female