Nature is Amazing – Wasps That Look Like Pandas

This charismatic ant was first discovered in 1938 in the central coast of Chile, where it can be found even now. This interesting species of ant it’s not an ant, actually, but it belongs to a group of insects called wingless wasps. It is also known as Euspinola militaris and it’s called panda ant because of its look, which resembles those of a panda bear.

They are very active insects. Panda ants feed with nectar and because of their specific diet they must always change their habitats. One mature panda ant is 8 millimeters long. An interesting think about them is that they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. Because of that, scientists can’t easily tell apart between males and females. The only thing that makes them different is their size, namely the male is greater.

After mating, female panda ants are laying eggs, which later results in a larva. When the larva is fully grown it becomes panda ant.

Panda ants live around 2 years, which is a long lifespan for a small animal like ant. They’re cute for a wasp, but don’t let their looks fool you to take them in your hands. Their stings cause intense pain. Their bright colors show other animals that they’re dangerous and venomous.