European velvet ant

The European velvet ant (Latin: Mutilla europaea) is a member of the Mutillidae family within the order Hymenoptera. Despite its common name, it is actually a flightless wasp. The females are wingless and possess a dense covering of hair, resembling large, aggressive ants, while males retain wings.

From an agricultural standpoint, this species is recognized as a pest primarily due to its parasitic relationship with pollinators. While they do not consume plant tissues, their negative impact on honey bee and bumblebee populations indirectly hampers the production of various crops that rely on insect pollination.

The biological cycle of this insect involves nest parasitism. The female searches for bumblebee or honey bee nests, enters them, and oviposits within the host's brood cells. Once hatched, the velvet ant larva feeds on the bee larvae, effectively killing the host's offspring and disrupting the colony's growth.

The damage caused by these insects is centered on the depletion of hive resources and population decline. A high infestation rate can lead to the collapse of local pollinator colonies, which is a significant concern for professional apiculture and biodiversity in surrounding agricultural fields.

Protection measures should focus on hive security and sanitation. Implementing fine-mesh guards on hive entrances can prevent the intrusion of large wasps. Additionally, keeping colonies healthy and populated ensures that the bees can better defend themselves against parasites attempting to enter the hive.