We live in Pensacola FL. and have these 1/2inch big reddish orange ant like looking insect with a hairy body.?

Question

Most of them seem to have dark black legs and are shaped just like a common ant. But these things are 10 times longer and look like there on steroids. What in the world are these things and is my family in any danger. Thanks .... GK

Answer 1

You can also take one in a Ziploc bag to Do It Yourself Pest Control on Pine Forest Rd.  They are great about these identifications and information.

Answer 2

it is actually a wingless wasp known as a "Velvet Ant".  A  nick name for them are cow killers, they do have a powerful sting if you step on one barefooted...the males do have wings and you may have seen one flying near the crawling female.