We had the big black ants in S. Illinois and called them wood
ants. Every once in a while in Illinois and here in New Orleans
I run into a velvet ant. Beautiful creature. It is covered with
brick red velvet looking hair and is about an inch long. Mean as
all get out. Actually it is a wingless wasp and can make you
wish you could die when it stings you.
Phil Mueller
hi23ahg@convex1.tcs.tulane.edu