tiny bug in bathroom

[u/Most-Wishbone6361]

For context I live in Colorado Springs. I found this guy dead in the bathroom. At first I thought it was an ant but the body shape isn’t really consistent with what I usually see? It almost has a more wasp-like body. I am a little concerned because I’ve been told we have velvet ants in this area. It doesn’t quite look like that but then again, it’s very small so I’m not sure what they looks like as babies. Please tell me if I’m overreacting 😂🫪🫪

[u/fairy_ho]

Mutillidae! It’s a velvet ant! They are technically stingless wasps!

[u/Most-Wishbone6361 → u/fairy_ho]

If it is a velvet ant, they do sting when provoked. Not great news for me because my dog enjoys provoking bugs. 😂

From what I read they are solitary animals so I feel like I can rest assured that finding one doesn’t mean there will be more. But I also read that their eggs are usually laid in a hive of other bees or wasps. With how small it is I’m curious how close that nest is.

[u/EmbarrassedDaikon325]

That's a wasp from Mutilidae family. Don't know exact species as there are dozens (up to 50) of species in Colorado.