Buzz
Typically, wasps aren’t known for their beauty, but one species—Traumatomutilla bifurca, a Brazilian velvet ant—stands out. Its ultra-dark coloration reflects less than 1% of visible light, giving it an eerie, almost otherworldly appearance.
There are roughly 8,000 species of velvet ants in the wasp family Mutillidae, named for their resemblance to large, furry ants. According to the Smithsonian, a recent discovery revealed that the Brazilian velvet ant features some of the darkest pigmentation in the insect kingdom. A study in the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology indicates that the black areas on females are ‘ultra-black,’ absorbing almost all visible light.
Ultra-black isn’t simply a result of melanin accumulation. A closer look at the wasp’s exoskeleton revealed fine, stacked platelets not found in other dark-colored creatures. Researchers believe the unique structure of its hair and platelets contributes to its matte black look. As The New York Times describes it, ‘Because the insect’s exoskeleton has so many features, light is more likely to be absorbed than on a smooth black surface.’
The velvet ant is the first known ultra-black species within the order Hymenoptera, which encompasses over 150,000 species of ants, wasps, bees, and sawflies. This striking color is rare in nature, with only a few species using it for various purposes. Some deep-sea fish adopt ultra-black coloration to blend in with the ocean's darkness, while others, like the bird of paradise and peacock spider, use it to make their vibrant colors stand out more to potential mates. The exact reason behind the ultra-black coloration of female velvet ants remains uncertain. Researchers have found little evidence suggesting it affects their mating behavior, and some believe it could act as a deterrent to predators.
