Instead, the researchers propose that the wasps’ ultra-black is related to protection from predators. Velvet ants are already known as “indestructible insects” because of their painful ...

An ant that disappears into the forest floor, a bird that demands attention from mates—for these animals, an inky black ...

Despite their name and looks, velvet ants are actually wasps. Many of these delightfully fuzzy insects exhibit bright, contrasting shades of black with red, orange or white. Their bold bodies serve as ...

wasps, and ants). Interestingly, although male velvet ants do have some black patches, these are not ultrablack. “We also analyzed males, but they did not exhibit ultrablack coloration,” Dr ...