Velvet Ants: The Best Pet Invertebrates?

Are velvet ants (Mutillidae) the best pet invertebrates? In this video I take about the housing, feeding, and pros and cons of keeping velvet ants as pets.
LINKS to velvet ant supplies:
The Mega Ant feeder I use for my velvet ants: amzn.to/2zySCnn
This is the new version of the vivarium I keep my velvet ants in: amzn.to/2L92qLr
This is the light hood I use for my velvet ant vivarium, it works great: amzn.to/2LbJCeR
I use bulbs like these to give my velvet ants light and a little warmth: amzn.to/2ZAM7Ln
You can make a cheap,and easy DIY velvet ant nectar feeder with a test tube and a cotton ball: amzn.to/2MKBl3m
You can purchase bug jelly for your velvet ants, a very simple and convenient food: shop.bugsincyb...
beetlesource.co...
Special thanks to Peter at www.bugsincyberspace.com, who sent me three of the velvet ants in this video!
Special thanks to Joseph S. Wilson, and entomologist who specializes in wasps and bees, for the species IDs. He contributed to this very interesting article on Velvet Ants: onlinelibrary....
Make your own bug jelly for velvet ants! Here is blog where I found the original the bug/beetle jelly recipe:
beetlesaspets.b...
Here is my version of the DIY bug jelly/beetle jelly recipe, along with links to purchase most of the ingredients, most of which you can probably find locally:
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon agar agar powder: amzn.to/2FSFJJe
1 ripe banana
1 cup of water, divided
8.5 teaspoons dark brown sugar: amzn.to/2TfAvLm
one teaspoon of honey: amzn.to/2CFnV11
(optional) 1/2 teaspoon crested gecko diet: amzn.to/2MjFGrb
In a blender, add 1/2 cup water, the peeled banana, the brown sugar, the honey, and the optional crested gecko diet. Blend until the banana is liquified.
In a saucepan, heat the other 1/2 cup of water to boiling. Stir in the agar powder, and stir for 1-2 minutes to ensure the agar powder is completely dissolved. Next, stir the other liquified ingredients into the boiling water. Bring this mixture to a boil, and boil again for 1-2 minutes. Pour the mixture into a shallow container (such as a glass baking dish) to cool. While the mixture cools, do not move, shake, or disturb it in any way. Once the mixture has cooled, it can be cut up and/or spooned out into a jar or other container for storage in a refrigerator. It will generally keep for several months if refrigerated.
I use these 0.5 ounce deli cups to feed this bug jelly to my bugs: amzn.to/2T8LCFU
For FREE 2-Day shipping on qualifying orders, try Amazon Prime: amzn.to/2N2HuFb
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. In other words, I earn a small commission when you use that affiliate link, at no cost to you.

[@bugsincyberspace]

I really appreciate your videos, Rus and support! I watch every video and you are definitely an inspiration to me here on KZbin!

[@1979again]

Peter and Rus you are both great people and I appreciate you both!

[@Aquarimax]

Bugs In Cyberspace Thank you Peter! You are definitely an inspiration to me in the invertebrate hobby! Thank you again for teaching me what amazing pets these unique wasps are, and for sending me a variety of beautiful velvet ants!

[@Aquarimax]

Insects Arachnids Thank you! 😊👍

[@periplanetamissionary]

You too, get cracking on the velvet ant host care, I know you can do it. :D You and rus be the first to breed them. :D

[@bugsincyberspace]

@@periplanetamissionary It's always been something I've wanted to attempt. It would be interesting to bury some ant pupae or ask a friend with a honeybee colony to lend a few pupae to the cause. Or maybe pull a mud wasp nest down from the eves and do a trial with that. I'm not sure how picky the VA's are about these things. Somebody probably knows but it's often easier to run ones own trials than find information through search engines anymore. ;)

[@cameronboggs7292]

Really downplayed the sting 😂 only 30 minutes of feeling like you've been shot with a low caliber bullet while your bite area is being set on fire 😂

[@Aquarimax]

Cameron Boggs It is pretty intense! I was stung once as a child...I didn’t know what ti was at the time.

[@637dan]

It isn’t that bad, Coyote Peterson really overplayed it. Just like Aquarimax, I was also stung as a child, it was bad, because I was like eight. Did my own pain index of the bugs native to my state with a friend, not nearly as bad as I remember, don’t get me wrong, it hurt, but it wasn’t as bad as getting shot by a .22. Which I comfortably say.

[@Aquarimax]

Danomite how would you compare the two on a pain index?

[@timbrwolf1121]

@@Aquarimax I got stung when I was like ten. Saw a big fuzzy insect so I picked it up. Thought I was dying. It really does feel like you've been shot. No lasting side effects though

[@Aquarimax]

Donovan Shovan I got stung at about the same age. Memorable! 🤣👍

[@derekwallace9182]

I took a sting from a red velvet ant in my armpit while working on a truck. I didn't know what had happened but it was incredibly intense burning pain. I thought I had torn a muscle or ripped something. Went back looking in the gravel and found a bright red fuzzy looking ant. That was the day I learned about the cow killer

[@Aquarimax]

Derek Wallace OUCH! Not that any spot would be great...but the armpit! 😳😱I took a sting from a small one on the hand when I was about 10 years old. Didn’t know what it was at the time...but I remember it well!

[@kateajurors8640]

That's a tender area

[@daanzoomer2997]

Aquarimax Pets i got stung 3 times in my finger and yeah it realy sucks

[@Kobra7049]

They have one of the most painful stings in the insect world, so those considering Velvet ants as a pet, be careful. You will regret it if you aren't.

[@Aquarimax]

Bradley Garst Yes, I make sure to talk about that...I wouldn’t want anyone to get a nasty surprise!

[@Kobra7049]

@@Aquarimax No, you did a great job. Love the videos and interesting facts. I learn alot. Thank you.

[@Aquarimax]

Bradley Garst Thank you, I really appreciate it! 😊👍

[@DUCKxFART]

I never want to feel that sting again OMG tha pain...

[@mollytheyorkie-poo7514]

But i wanna pet them! They look so cute and fuzzy! :(

[@chicofromph33nix64]

I had one for a pet in kingman AZ prison.. I use to give her little baths in a soda cap.. glad it didn't sting me.. I didn't know they packed a punch until I saw coyote Peterson get stung..

[@Aquarimax]

Chico from Phoenix I am glad it didn’t sting you too! What did your velvet ant friend eat?

[@prizmcmyk3363]

Little baths...what? 😅

[@chicofromph33nix64]

@@Aquarimax I don't remember watching this video and commenting on it...lol... but I would bring fruit back from the chow hall and fed him mostly orange slices and apples

[@chicofromph33nix64]

@@prizmcmyk3363 yeah, I used a lid to put them in and would drop a water droplet on or around it... the velvet ant named fuzzy would drink it or soak it up... she seemed to like it

[@araghothetheprimordialdrag4898]

So what your telling me is they are fuzzy, adorable, make a cute little squeaking sound, and have one of the most painful stings in the insect world... count me in!👍

[@Aquarimax]

Araghothe The Primordial Dragon that is a pretty good summary!

[@mortified776]

I had no idea anyone was keeping velvet ants as pets. What really surprised me though was their diversity and distribution. For some reason I thought they were restricted to the Americas.

[@Aquarimax]

Maxwell's Demon yes, I was surprised to find out how many species there are around the planet. 👍

[@bserieshatch1]

Have you seen the blue ones? I have tons of the red ones in my yard. They're always crossing the driveway.

[@Aquarimax]

Alex Cravey I have never seen a blue one, except in pictures, but I would love to.

[@bserieshatch1]

@@Aquarimax same. Not sure where the blue ones exist but it's not in TX.

[@eldermorph6414]

In Texas you have mainly the huge red and black ones like we do in Louisiana

[@williamneill5441]

I got stung by one as a kid and yes, they pack a wallop. They are beautiful and I’ve thought about keeping them. The large Florida species are stunners.

[@Aquarimax]

William Neill I was stung as a child too...I remember it well! I have not been stung as an adult keeping them as pets though. I am hoping to keep one of the large Southeastern species someday!

[@timapiepgrass8702]

I have had a velvet ant squeak at me! I've seen them in Utah and Idaho. It's cool to know that there are more out there I'll have to keep my eyes open for them.

[@Aquarimax]

I see them in Utah in summer and sometimes the fall. Such an interesting taxon!

[@Bread-nr1sj]

Just dont get stung. You. Will. Regret. It.

[@Aquarimax]

this profile pic represents my soul yes, I remember that happening...It was over 30 years ago, but I recall it well.

[@PEACE-es4zf]

3AM KZbin Im done, turning you off... KZbin- LOOK, VELVET ANTS! AS PETS!

[@Aquarimax]

PEACE 🤣👍 KZbin timing!

[@DavidRodriguez-jt1ns]

Velvet ants are amazing! So much personality, I'm surprised you haven't given peacock jumping spiders a try!

[@Aquarimax]

David Rodriguez If I could keep peacock jumping spiders, I would. I do have a P. regius though! 👍

[@HoundofOdin]

Them: Why would you want a pet bug? You can't pick them up or cuddle with them or play with them! I'll be right back, I have to feed my goldfish. Me: 🙄

[@Aquarimax]

Dr.Bright 🤣🤣👍

[@sageoblouk6782]

They probably also keep their gold fish in a bowl or 5 gallon tank.

[@monarchatto6095]

Sage Oblouk yeah, they should at least put in 60-75 gallon tank

[@PEACE-es4zf]

@@sageoblouk6782 I KEEP ALL MY GOLDFISH IN A BOWL,,,,,made of toilet

[@fishyfishyfishy500akabs8]

Well one fancy goldfish can live in a 30 gallon if you stretch it and put nothing else in, but that’s not preffered

[@dboot8886]

Me: the flashback I have to the worst day outside I had as a child. This video in my recommendations: NOOOOPE!

[@brianwelden6034]

Same here felt like having a piece of rebar shoved through my arm and hurt for hours

[@skywise8]

@Chuck Douglas I'm sure a wake up sting would be the worst thing ever

[@DanishnSonic]

I swear they actually have a little similar behavior to actual ants, i want em!

[@Aquarimax]

DanishnSonic They do act quite similar to ants in many ways, apart from their solitary nature. 👍

[@joshuavarney2346]

For when you want bees but don't want them to fly.

[@Aquarimax]

Joshua Varney 😊👍

[@Sara3346]

Or make honey... or wax, neck these guys chestburst bees so eh.

[@j.g.3293]

You can also use lorikeet nectar. Less expensive than bug jelly and more nutritious than honey or sugar water.

[@Aquarimax]

Juan G. Great idea, I will look into that 👍

[@remyconesa9351]

I live in the south west I’ve ran into a fare share of critters and while out doing a ride I stumbled upon a velvet ant. I placed my hand down for it to crawl on me so I could have a better look. It was a gorgeous white sand color. After the encounter I placed her down and parted ways. I’d later did my research as to what it was and thought how lucky I was not stung. Besides that thanks for the vid I didn’t know that they did well in captivity, I’d always bin a question and didn’t want to find out the hard way.

[@Aquarimax]

Sounds like you may have encountered a Dasymutilla gloriosa! They are reluctant to sting unless really bothered. 😊👍

[@OpinionatedChicken59]

I can tell by how confident they walk around that they are very somehow dangerous

[@j0rdanaj]

Violent Rainbow yep

[@MerkinMuffly]

We call them Cow Killers here.

[@mnc1126]

I remember the first time I saw one. The man working with me said “cow killer”. I’ve always respected them . I love to watch them but I’m too paranoid to keep them inside. However I think your setup up is awesome. You should put a small toy cow in there , hooves up ❗️😀

[@Aquarimax]

mnc LOL! The cow hooves up!!! 🤣

[@erinbrannan-oneal4197]

I caught my first velvet ant today!! Not too long ago I didn't even know what they were called but thanks to your channel, I recognized her today and scooped her up. Now she is adjusting to her new habitat I built for her, thanks to you sharing your knowledge! :) I'm just getting into the hobby and your videos have been extremely helpful!

[@Aquarimax]

Erin Brannan-O'Neal Congratulations on your first velvet ant! Enjoy! I am glad to know that my videos have been helpful. 😊👍

[@erinbrannan-oneal4197]

@Bryan Ogg I know :)

[@TheRoyalBum]

You forgot a pro- If you're ever getting robbed, just throw one on the intruder or use their stinger as a defensive shank

[@moblinmajorgeneral]

Saw a bright red and black one of these crawling out of a crack in my concrete months back. I naturally gave it some space, as I've had bad sting experiences with _Polistes carolina_ , and I could imagine the pain from a cow killer would've been so much worse.

[@Aquarimax]

That Shield Dude Good move...if you are not planning on collecting one, giving it some space is a good policy.

[@derpyhooves6667]

I got stung by one of these when i was a kid and it burned like hell for about 20 minutes took me years to find out what they were this is a very nice video on them

[@KhanaHatake]

How beautiful! I can't believe I never knew about this species.

[@Aquarimax]

Bunny they are pretty fascinating, aren’t they?

[@LadyCole8364]

Thank you for this video! I wish I would've had it 4 years ago when I housed a Velvet Ant for 6 months. I didn't know there was a special ant feeder made for larger types. Such a neat device to have! I fed mine sugar water and pieces of fruit in a Snapple lid. Ha. Absolutely loved her! I housed mine in a large glass cookie jar because I didn't know what to keep her in.

[@Aquarimax]

You did well with what you had, but I have really found these feeders helpful 👍🏽

[@francisgoldstien6153]

I have these in my yard I picked one up as I hadn't seen an "ant" this big before I got stung the first time. I can tell you it's pretty hot. I more carefully caught another one and trapped it with a small twig. It made an audible "scream" I also noticed it was pushing a stinger out of its butt. I realize then it wasn't a regular ant. I'm in Florida the ones here are orange and black. I've heard people call them "cow ants" Ima leave my "pet velvet ants" out in the yard.

[@Aquarimax]

Francis Goldstien That works! They do have a pretty intense sting, but I find very little risk in the way I house them. 👍

[@Jonah71204]

8:59 I love how that's their warning squeak

[@andiware2440]

I saw this critter on a walk... thanks for helping me identify what I saw. (:

[@Aquarimax]

Glad to be of help!

[@aersla1731]

Oh hey coyote Peter has a video of him getting stung by a velvet ant, it doesn't look fun. I have seen them in my lawn before, I just admire from afar. Very beautiful creatures. Great video :)

[@Aquarimax]

Aersla Thank you! They are indeed beautiful. One of my favorite insects...but I was once stung, as a young child, and is remember it well. 😳🤣👍

[@thevangoghlavenderexperien938]

Super cool! Thank you for the information! We find them in our lavender field.

[@danasmith8557]

I'm new at ur videos but they are really good and interesting, I seem to learn from them and sure like ur bloopers , that's pretty cool ! All and all I enjoy ur videos thank u for sharing ur knowledge with us

[@Aquarimax]

Dana Smith I really appreciate your support! Thank you and welcome!!

[@dreimann]

I remember them squeaking when petted. I'd run across them on the trails now and then. Always seemed very cute, but I wouldn't bother them for long. Guess I was fortunate not to get stung.

[@OutdoorsAndBotanical]

Love your vids Russ! Keep it up. You should try raising ground bees and then introducing velvet ants into their colony so the velvet ants can breed.

[@Aquarimax]

Outdoors And Botanical Thank you!! That would certainly be an intriguing project!

[@mimief7969]

Fascinating & beautiful species. Going to try and have a setup like this when I have the space.

[@dylantan4245]

Safer option would be vampire crabs (Not sure if they’d count) Colorful and they don’t pinch let alone sting But still really interesting to keep these wasps as pets

[@driinun8433]

These guys are everywhere where I live, I never even considered owning any but they actually seem really entertaining.

[@kiapolo2002]

They are. I had one for about 2-2.5 years. During the warm months, I would clip flowers and throw them in her tank. She would go in them and get the nectar out and then when she was done, she'd climb all over it. Her fav flowers were mums and peonies. But in the winter months, I quickly discovered how hard it was to get flowers where I lived and had to figure out a way to feed her. I remembered that humming bird nectar is basically just sugar water and so I ended up making a solution of sugar water for her. I just kept it in the fridge and when it was time to feed her, she would get some sugar water. Then when the warm months came back, we were back to flowers. After I discovered the squeaking sound they make, I named her Pipsqueak lol. She was so active too. By the time she died, you could see the trail around the tank where she would run laps along the glass.

[@driinun8433]

@@kiapolo2002 Aw she sounds like she was really cute, thanks for the info too!

[@Aquarimax]

Grace Ankerson Definitely high on entertainment value 👍

[@Aquarimax]

kiapolo2002 I have been thinking of offering mine some butterfly bush flowers, now I will!

[@kiapolo2002]

@@driinun8433 She was. I was actually heartbroken when I realized she was dying. I knew there was nothing I could do for her so I just laid there next to her tank for hours until she finally slipped away so that she wouldn't be alone when she died. I still have her body stashed away safely and plan on encasing her with resin to preserve her. The reason I bring this up is because it shows the kind of bond that you can have with them even without being able to really hold them.

[@davidsul7052]

I love them too. They are very amusing, much like fish. I debate the reason for the bright coloration though. I've been stung by three species including one called a "cow Killer". For me, the sting is the least painful of any wasp, comparable to a mosqiuto bite. That's just me. Other people say it's very painful, thus their being called "cow killers". It's not a warning to predators. After all, they have natural body armor. It's color communication for the males to visually find them. Bright warning colors are for warning of toxicity when eaten, such as in brightly colored grasshoppers and caterpillars. I read that this is also true in poison dart frogs and in some birds too. Just about any other wasp species has a more powerful and more painful sting than velvet ants, and most don't have bright colors. But they aren't toxic to eat. And I have read that all species of bees and wasps are edible which also includes...velvet ants..

[@Aquarimax]

david sul Interesting idea! There’s always more than one way to interpret the data. The prevailing idea among entomologists is that velvet ants engage in Muellerian mimicry, in which they all benefit from similar coloration that advertises the fact that attempting to eat them will be unpleasant. The idea that the colors can help the males find the females makes sense 👍

[@chrisafp071]

1:31 “Hey do a favor don’t push me don’t push me!” “Aww ya pushed me...”

[@Aquarimax]

Chris 🤣👍

[@ronfults3844]

I'm new here and really appreciate this information. I've never kept velvet ants but I find it facinating to learn about them. Thank you!

[@Aquarimax]

Ron Fults you’re very welcome! They are very entertaining creatures. 👍

[@stephenbrand5661]

Damn I remember them making that noise when I’d find them when I was a kid. I had no idea anybody tried to keep these things as pets.

[@greasygranpapy7529]

I used to love following cow killers around when I was a kid.

[@Aquarimax]

Greasy Granpapy I still love it! 🤣👍

[@xaldinnix9410]

On one hand, I have been in love with velvet ants since the first time I saw one in Florida. On the other hand super glad I live in the OH, were I don't have to worry about these or fire ants. I fell into a big nest of fire ants, it was not pleasant by any means.

[@Aquarimax]

I have stepped into fire ant nests too...not fun. You may actually have some velvet ant species in Ohio, though they are usually easier to find in hotter climates.

[@BREAKERisDEAD]

I love the bloopers! And Velvet Ants are great. Id love to get more

[@Aquarimax]

LOL! You’re the first person to comment on the bloopers, I am glad you enjoyed them! How many velvet ants do you have?

[@BREAKERisDEAD]

@@Aquarimax I had one but it didnt live longer than a few weeks. Im hoping to get more soon. I named it Cake because of velvet cake lol

[@Aquarimax]

Break er I like the name 🤣👍 Yeah, two That I had shipped to me also passed on shortly after I got them...no fault of the seller...you just can’t tell with velvet ants. I hope you are able to get more 👍

[@RichardColwell1]

I was a very young kids with a group of kids walking around the neighborhood. We all came across this and used a sharpened stick to cut the butt off. I noticed after it was cut off the stinger kept coming in and out even after being separated. I got all the kids attention saying “look” and picked it up to show and that damn stinger got me so good I hit the floor screaming in absolute agony.

[@RichardColwell1]

@@TheLurkerAtTheThreshold you got that right, that memory lives in my head rent free now

[@JessiePageGajewski]

I just saw and caught my first one I love her! I hope she's young so I get to have her for a while The squeaking is so cute

[@mileymorkie4541]

the velvet ants are sooo fluffy! I want to pet a fluffy white velvet ant someday!

[@Aquarimax]

Miley Morkie The fluffy white ones are gorgeous!

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

Do NOT touch them, trust me. If it stings you, you will regret the day you were born for hours and hours.

[@mileymorkie4541]

ProgHead777 I am aware the pain of their sting lasts for over 30 minutes. Hence the nickname “cow killer”

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

@@mileymorkie4541 "...over 30 minutes". My mother accidentally stepped on one with her bare foot. She couldn't walk for two days and said it was BY FAR the worst pain she'd ever experienced... and she had given birth to 3 children, including me of course.

[@jerellwatkins230]

New to your channel and I seen the red velvet ant for the first time 👍🏾nice

[@pupintheturdiii]

I have seen these in Arkansas before and always wondered what they were.

[@Aquarimax]

PupinTheTurd III Now you know! Quite beautiful creatures.

[@KikiLathem]

This is so full of helpful information thank you so much!

[@Aquarimax]

@@KikiLathem you’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@TenderheartPC]

Dear god... these are one of the cutest things I have ever seen!

[@Aquarimax]

Emilie Robertson I agree!

[@Sara3346]

I almost dismissed this out of hand knowing about the stings, but the video is so well present from beginning to start, minus the title that I'm still going to give it a thumbs up. I don't think I'd want a pet that I can't safely hold though.

[@Aquarimax]

Sara3346 I’m glad you liked my presentation style! These are definitely not a pet for handling, and not everyone wants a display-only pet-that makes sense. 👍

[@SupremeGecko]

Great video Rus. They certainly look cool and are very active.

[@Aquarimax]

Supreme Gecko Thanks Wally! These are definitely full of activity! 👍

[@gorgeousfreeman4836]

When I was like 7 I saw one on the road just walking to the grass i was like :O they're so cool

[@Aquarimax]

They are super cool, as long as you are not stung. 👍

[@clamskaboo5120]

Other invertebrates that make awesome pets- True ants(with a queen) Scorpions Tarantulas(certain species) Millipedes Vinegaroons Tailless whipscorpions Rhino & stag beetles Praying mantids Stick insects(US legal/native) Various tropical cockroach species Isopods Jumping spiders

[@Aquarimax]

Aquatinsect I agree! I am planning videos on quite a few of those in your list 😊

[@Crystalspets]

This was a great video rus gotta love those ants

[@Aquarimax]

Crystal's pets&plants Thank you Crystal! They are loads of fun!

[@therealjuegomemes919]

I know my 3 velvet ants make that same noise too but they don’t do it most of the time because they’re in their underground tunnels

[@Aquarimax]

Bryan Ramirez right, they generally only make that sound when they are disturbed.

[@15demersm]

Thanks!!! Another great video! Love your enthusiasm

[@Aquarimax]

Thank you! I’m glad it comes through on camera 👍

[@level1skeleton317]

Great video Rus! Very informative.

[@Aquarimax]

Level 1 Skeleton Thank you! I am glad it is helpful 👍

[@greatoutdoors8678]

Wow these are amazing pets I love theses species so much. Subbed.

[@Aquarimax]

Great Outdoors Thank you, and welcome!!

[@HATSN]

OH MY GOD NOOOO I GOT STUNG BY 3 OF THESE WASPS THEY FRICKING HURT SOOOO BAD!!!

[@boikatsapiens499]

Supposedly, the sting of the velvet ant is the third most painful sting in the world. I got stung by one once too. I was hopping on one hoot for about an hour!

[@komreed]

I have seen a few in North Carolina crawling around the sidewalk in a sandy area. I wish I would have caught them now, I had no idea how one might keep them.

[@Aquarimax]

komreed the next time you see one, you’ll be prepared! 😊👍

[@oceanwaves83]

These things are tough as nails. You can accidentally step on one and they just keep walking.

[@Aquarimax]

Very true!

[@mmm_mmm4935]

Thank u for educating me sir Now I shall binge-watch your channel Peace👌

[@Aquarimax]

potat z you are welcome! Thank you for watching! 😊👍

[@wildbill9863]

Long time subscriber Pop onto videos every now and again Just saying I appreciate everything you do Keep up the great wokr

[@Aquarimax]

Slippery When wet Thank you, I appreciate your long-term support 😊👍

[@douggief1367]

I've always thought that praying mantises were the best insect pets. No sting and they'll get used to eating out of your hand.

[@Aquarimax]

Douggie F a mantis makes an excellent pet, very true!

[@sierraosgood4322]

Cool i want one but my mom is allergic to these colorful beauties

[@noxxxzema]

I have two questions what’s the super small, not so fuzzy velvet ant? Also, I found a cow killer in my backyard, should I keep it or is it too dangerous Thanks for having such a cool channel

[@Aquarimax]

Shadowwolf525 The super small velvet ant is from the genus Timulla. I think it is Timulla vagans. ‘Cowkillers’ or large velvet ants are not particularly dangerous or aggressive,, but their sting is quite painful. If you are prepared to keep it in a situation in which people are unlikely to be stung, you could keep it. 👍 I am Glad you enjoy the my channel!! 😊

[@randomthingdoer3879]

am i the only one here who finds velvet ants adorable???

[@Aquarimax]

No, i find them adorable too!

[@randomthingdoer3879]

thats cool!

[@golbezgirl6290]

I know these guys are abundant in texas but I don't know if we got any in Colorado,i might attempt tp keep these lil guys if their out here,i didn't know people kept them.thanks for the awesome videos.if I collect these guys i'm gonna see if I can breed them.

[@Aquarimax]

Golbez Girl You’re very welcome! You do indeed have a number of velvet ant species in Colorado. Best of luck finding some! 👍

[@zorrowhelgen3314]

that noise they make is like cute and nightmarish had a baby and pop this little guy

[@Aquarimax]

Zorrow Helgen pretty good description!! 🤣👍

[@zacharywagner4162]

I live in Florida, I find these all the time

[@Aquarimax]

Zachary Wagner I need to get down to a Florida again! 🤣👍

[@extremenausea9522]

They're tough lil buggers too, I remember when I was 8 I ran one over with my bike on accident and she carried on like nothing happened lol

[@Aquarimax]

insect casserole very tough indeed!

[@amyhepker9025]

I seen one down here in Florida, it was bright Red compared to yours. Florida is very humid and where I seen it at was a Swamp.

[@Kairos-XIII-2]

Brave Wilderness - STUNG by a VELVET ANT! Lets say thats a respective review of a Velvet Ant Sting , but aswell in a respective way towards the insect:)

[@Aquarimax]

KairosXIII I should probably check that out!

[@catpoke9557]

For anyone wondering, his description of "quite painful" sting does not do it justice. Even if you are tough, even if you are manly, do NOT handle them. The pain is one of the highest on the list of insect stings. It would not be inaccurate to call the sting 'agony.' You WILL cry. Do not handle them.

[@Aquarimax]

Cat Poke It is an intense sting for sure. When I was a child, I was stung by a small velvet ant 😳

[@DelRae]

Good thing I held one as a kid and it didn’t fucking sting me Jesus Christ

[@dbachelorsplantedaquarium4711]

Wow! Those are amazing!

[@Aquarimax]

dbachelor's Planted Aquarium Thank you! 😊👍

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

"They have a pretty painful sting..." Clearly said by someone who's never been stung by one. It is indeed painful. In fact, I would use the adjective INCAPACITATING! It's not pain, it's AGONY. My mother was stung on her bare foot when I was a kid. She couldn't walk for two days. One of their colloquial names is "cow killer", because the sting is painful enough that you might think it could kill a full grown cow (it definitely can't, but you get the point).

[@Aquarimax]

ProgHead777 I have actually been stung by a velvet ant. I was 10 years old, and I remember it well.

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

@@Aquarimax I apologize for making assumptions. I'll also admit that it's possible that my mother had an especially severe reaction. Maybe she was sensitive to the venom or she got an especially heavy dose of it. She actually stepped on the poor thing (accidentally, of course). Also, there are numerous species of velvet ant, so perhaps it was a particularly venomous species.

[@Aquarimax]

ProgHead777 could be. Some species have more intense stings than others.

[@dantracey6493]

Any tips on how to collect velvet ants in the wild? I'm rearing one that I found by luck in Indiana and I'd like to fine more.

[@Aquarimax]

Dan Tracey Morning and evening are usually the best times...after a rain or when it is cloudy but not raining. Paths or tails of packed earth are promising spots, as are sandy areas. This is true in my area, hopefully the same is true in Indiana. 👍🏽

[@geepreston7292]

Not being captive bred is a serious no go for me. Was really planning on keeping some of these. Bummer

[@Aquarimax]

Gee preston hopefully someday we’ll figure it out.

[@TheActualCaveman]

Velvet ant stung me on the finger when i was about 10. Ill never forget that instant feeling like someone plunged a hot needle into me and it didnt cool down... The ant was a beautiful yellow gold fur and i couldnt help but try and pet it. It flipped and stung me before i knew what happened. I was convinced that the fur was poisoned like the catapillars i had read about. If only my nature books had velvet ants in them at the time lol.

[@Aquarimax]

Gravelord Nito that seems to be the age...same age at which I was stung by a velvet ant! I wasn’t sure what it was at the time either. 🤣

[@brianorr308]

I've been watching velevet ants for years up here in Alberta trudging about the sand like pissed-off fuzzy ants and I'm glad you made a video about them - on how to keep them as pets no less! Awesome! I've never seen a male in real life though. Do they drink nectar like the females? Have you ever kept a male?

[@Aquarimax]

Brian Orr Excellent, glad you enjoyed it! I have seen a couple of males. I think they drink nectar too, but I have never kept one.

[@EienRozen]

I've pet them and they usually don't mind, but if it feels like they're starting to jump watch out, or they will roll over and sting you.

[@Aquarimax]

Eien Rozen you are a brave soul!

[@ivuldivul]

They're not common in my area (I only met one once), so I wouldn't remove them from their environment. Nevertheless they are beautiful creatures.

[@TheoneStanband]

I caught one not knowing what it was. I'm going to make a habitat for her.

[@antwit9343]

Dragonudo sent me 👀

[@chriselliott601]

Great channel! So is that plastic water water dispensers also a good option to supply Madagascar Hissing Roaches w water? I was wondering where you got those as I did not see a link in the description. Thanks for your time and any assistance!

[@Aquarimax]

The ant feeders are from a company called By Formica. Not see if they would work for hissers or not…but my beetles knock them down a lot, I imagine the hissers would too 😂

[@chriselliott601]

@@Aquarimax sponge on shallow mini plate it is! Ty for your reply.

[@Fishtory]

Neocaridina shrimp still peak my fancy eheh. Great video, thank you

[@Aquarimax]

The Secret History Living in Your Aquarium I love Neocaridina too! Thank you! 😊👍

[@ycr424]

very cool.never thought or knew to have them as a pet. i found one once in the wild, thought wow n tried to catch it through a pice of my shirt. WRONG thing to do lol!! omg the pain in my thumb from the sting. still, think they are beautiful, from a dostance though lol.

[@Aquarimax]

ycr424 Yes, the sting it intense!

[@Photron52]

I would really like to get access to the water bottles. I am wondering if crickets could drink from them.

[@popcharlie]

While out mothing, I have found that male velvet ants will be attracted to black lights at night. I wonder do they live long enough to be worth keeping as pets?

[@Aquarimax]

Pop Charlie great observation, I may try that. They do live a couple of years.

[@SuperCripple]

I would be more inclined to keep the males as pets seeing as how they don't have stingers lol

[@SuperCripple]

Velvet ants are so beautiful

[@TheSnakeking24]

Would they lay thier eggs in wax worms ? I'm just thinking because it's a small grub similar in size to a bee larva and is also found in bee hives ? Just an idea to maybe try

[@Aquarimax]

TheSnakeking24 good suggestion! my cousin, who is an entomologist specializing in velvet ants and other solitary wasps and bees,tried offering their host larvae in captivity. They still didn’t lay eggs on them...just bit them to drink their fluids. The entire host colony seems to be necessary.

[@NOSRNAMARA]

1:27 look at the frog on the left just,,, falling

[@Aquarimax]

NOSRN AMARA 🤣

[@kimberlygabaldon3260]

If some of these invertebrates escaped from their enclosures, are they adaptable enough that they could become invasive in their non-native habitats? What precautions do you have to take, if any, when changing their water/cleaning enclosures?

[@Aquarimax]

Kimberly Gabaldon when these are young, they have some ability to climb glass, albeit clumsily. I have to make sure I know where they are at all times when working in the enclosure. As they age, they climb glass less, but I still have to make sure I don’t accidentall remove one from the enclosure while moving decor. Three of the species in the video are native to this area, and the one that isn’t has no mate, somI don’t think there is much of a risk, but that is always a good thing to think about,

[@KFrost-fx7dt]

Where I grew up we called them cow-killers. Not something I'd want in my house haha!

[@ismewhat1234]

Cool stuff 👍

[@almightysosa769]

Wow they're pretty freaking awesome. My new Killers.

[@evann1136]

I didnt know that they were peaceful generally, the only time i saw one was when i was a kid and i shot it with a shotgun because i thought they were aggressive it was coming right through where we had set up for the day, and was really close to stepping on my shoe. i thought there was gonna be a swarm of them or something if i stepped on it or something (pheromones), so i shot it. Now i wished i kept it as a pet, or at least left it alone. oh well at least i know what to do next time i see one.

[@Aquarimax]

Evan n Right, now you know 👍