HOME | DD
mantispid — The Cows will be Killed
Published: 2007-06-27 05:55:40 +0000 UTC; Views: 2172; Favourites: 58; Downloads: 66
Redirect to original
Description
Up close and personal with the head of a velvet ant, commonly known as a Cow Killer.Why are they called cow killers, you ask? It's said that their sting is so painful that it could kill a cow. This specimen's stinger measured approximately 3/4" in length. Combine that with their potent pain venom, and you have a recipe for a lot of unpleasantness.
In any case, they are rather striking with their bright fuzzy red hair.
Related content
Comments: 24
This is just stunning. A wonderful bit of macro. The "expression" is quite malevolent, very suited to the species. They are awfully pretty, though, and I think you've captured that as well. I'd love to have a print of this, do you have any plans to make one, or a website for sales?
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I've just recently started my own gallery site at a pro level and will be offering prints of my work. It'll like be a month or so before I do, though.
I'm glad you liked the shot!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I'll keep an eye out for that then. Your work is marvellous! : )
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
what a tantalizing picture.. the hair goes very well with the dark blacks.. and the highlights in the eyes stare at you as you'd be next..
great shot!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
the read coat is beautiful, but that pitch black stare is otherworldy, amazing shot
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Yeah, those things are awesomely painful.
Cow Ants, Cow Killer, Velvet Ants... all the same species. Though, until recently I discovered that it's not an ant.
The velvet ant is a species of ground wasp with an exceptionally strong exoskeleton.
It's amazing what nature comes up with, eh? ^^
(I've been stung by many of those at times. It's excruciating. The sting leaves giant whelps and can hurt for days. It's not pleasant aaaat all!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Wow...awesome capture. Love the detail on the hairy face.
Thanks for the background info too.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Wow. Awesome shot. I need to get into macro on this scale. Coupling ring, I take it?
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Yup, 50mm F/1.4 prime lens reversed and coupled to a 28-105mm zoom.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
It is stunning. Guess the punk look is not so original.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
awesome photo, one of the best in this category ive seen! good work!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
