Identification and Confirmation of a New Species of Velvet Ants as a Sting Agent in Homes and Traditional Carpet Weaving Sites in Kashan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Hymenopterans are important venomous arthropods belonging to various families. Members of the Mutillidae family, famously known as velvet ants, have been reported from different parts of Iran. Objectives: In light of reports on the stings of these insects, this study was conducted to identify the causative agent in Kashan, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive study, 248 live samples from houses in Kashan city were collected manually and transferred to the laboratory. The sex of the specimens was determined. Due to complaints from local people about local stings, sampling was conducted as a census. Residential houses, as well as traditional carpet weaving workshops located next to each other, were surveyed. Considering the contamination of these places, there was a specific spot. All houses around the contamination site were examined. If velvet ants were observed in the house or workshop, the place was considered an infected site. Velvet ant females were collected from the ground surface one by one using pincers or pans. Flying males were collected under lamp lighting with a net. After confirming the initial identity, pictures of the parameters required for diagnosis were sent to a relevant specialist in Russia. Results: The sting agents in the region were identified as velvet ants of the Dentilla dehghanii sp. nov., reported for the first time as a new species in Iran. The sting caused severe pain, itching, and skin redness, which persisted for a week. Out of 248 samples under study, 84% were identified as female. Conclusions: Knowing the presence of a new species of the Mutillidae family in residential areas, it is recommended to study its bioecology to prevent stings.