Red Velvet Ant....

[pooh]

or as they are sometimes called, Cow Killer Ants.

Saw this beastie today while at the Fire Station down near the Sanibel gate. Beautiful looking insect, but it was a female of the species and they can inflict a pretty painful sting. Had never seen this particular "local" before. Have you ever noticed this insect?

My picture is a bit blurry, the creature just would not stop for a second, it was marching back and forth on the curbing.

Red velvet ant or "cow killer" (http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg344.html)

[applesoffh]

Just saw one outside of my front door yesterday, and our landscaper pointed it out to me. Said it's a very painful sting that could lead to swelling. This is a new bug to me in the Village of Charlotte.

[graciegirl]

Dang. Another critter to avoid.