myrmepropagandist on Nostr: Female Red Velvet wasps, Dasymutilla occidentalis are not aggressive, but if ...
Female Red Velvet wasps, Dasymutilla occidentalis are not aggressive, but if frightened they will sting.
Males can't sting. (In wasps, ants and bees the sting. if present, is a modification of the ovipositor.)
This doesn't stop males from *pretending* to sting.
If restrained my boy will curl his gaster around & sort of dab at you ineffectually? He's doing his best! This turns out to be an effective defense! Predators and annoying, curious humans will freak out and drop them in response!
Males can't sting. (In wasps, ants and bees the sting. if present, is a modification of the ovipositor.)
This doesn't stop males from *pretending* to sting.
If restrained my boy will curl his gaster around & sort of dab at you ineffectually? He's doing his best! This turns out to be an effective defense! Predators and annoying, curious humans will freak out and drop them in response!