We saw this insect rapidly crossing in front of our "house" in the Tyler Lake State Park (TX) campground. It was about 1/2 inch long and swiftly hunting, presumably, for food.
After some research, I concluded that it is a female velvet ant, which is actually a species of wasp. The mane refers to their resemblance to ants and to the dense hair which is often bright scarlet or orange. The colors are a warning. Their stings are extremely painful, but they are not aggressive and sting only in defense. Their venom is less toxic than that of honey bees or harvester ants.
Now we know.
Louise and Duane
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