Velvet Ant (the Cow Killer) Traditional Cache
Velvet Ant (the Cow Killer)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This hide is located along an abandonded dirt road in Manchester State Forest, that is now being used as a trail. This trail runs down the remains of an old railroad bed that once ran from Manchester to the Sumter Junction, and was the final stretch as it made its way up from the swamp to the rail stop.
Cow Killers, a species of Velvet Ants that actually belong to the wasp family, are commonly seen in the open areas of these wooded trails.
Velvet Ants are solitary, black and orange, about one inch long, are fast runners and extremely fierce fighters. Of the wasp family, only the males are winged and stingerless. The adult Velvet Ant diet consists only of plant nectar, while the larval stage of the insect feed on live bumble bee larvae, during its development.
The female Velvet Ant first searches for a bumble bee nest and then lays one egg beside each chamber. Upon hatching, the young larvae invade and feed on the bee larvae, and then pupates inside the victim's brood chamber. Young Velvet Ants emerge as fully formed adults.
The proper name for this local Velvet Ant species is Cow Killer, derived from their powerful sting - so severe some claim it could actually kill a cow. Something to keep in mind when teaching children the dangers of handling what may appear to be cute looking, fuzzy ants. Watch them from a distance, and please don't harass the Velvet Ants!
This is the third in a series of entomology related geocaches, hidden in the Midlands of SC.
Park across the gravel road at the pull off area, and watch carefully for traffic as you head to the search area.
The container is a plastic jar hidden in a challenging area. The tree cover will affect the signal and the terrain level will be determined by the route you choose to take to the cache.
Have fun and enjoy the View!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gna naq terra.