Floridian Eric Breuer shared his experience of being stung by a “cow killer” velvet ant on Facebook, causing horror among internet users.
Breuer posted photos of the incident to the Unseen Florida group, which was prompted by another user’s request for help identifying the insect.
Recounting the incident, Breuer said he was stung while dismounting his motorcycle at a Publix on Route 27 in Davenport, Florida in mid-July 2020.
He described the sensation as feeling like someone was burning him with a cigarette on his inner right thigh.
The insect fell out of his pant leg after he slapped his leg in response to the sting.
Velvet ants, which are actually a type of wasp, can be found throughout North America and are known for their painful stings.
Despite their name, the wingless females resemble ants more than the winged, striped yellow jackets.
The insect that stung Breuer was about 1/2 to 3/4 inches long, bright red, and black, and he had never seen one like it before.
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