Males are somewhat larger and have two pairs of wings. The larva is a white legless grub. Velvet ants are widely distributed throughout the South and West. They are usually found in open areas. Although widely distributed, velvet ants are rarely abundant in any area.
Velvet ants are active throughout the warm periods of the year.
They are most common during mid-summer. Usually they are seen during the cooler parts of the day. Although usually found in relatively sandy areas, they occasionally may find their way indoors. Velvet ants are not phytophagous. The adult is known to feed on bees and other wasps at times.