in zoology, a genus of animals belonging to the order of insects hymenoptera. There are 10 species; the most remarkable of which is the occidentalis, or velvet ant, an inhabitant of North America. It has six legs, with short crooked antennae; the abdomen large, with a black list crossing the lower part of it, and another black spot at the joining of the thorax; excepting which, the whole body and head resembles crimson velvet. The trunk or shell of the body is of such a strong and hard consistence, that though trodden upon by men and cattle they receive no harm. They have a long sting in their tails, which causes inflammation and great pain for half an hour to those who are stung by them; which usually happens to negroes and others that go barefooted. They are mostly seen running very nimbly on sandy roads in the hottest summer-weather; and always single. What they feed on, in what manner they breed, and where they secure themselves in winter, is unknown.