Interactions between plants and animals are a fundamental theme in ecological studies, with pollination being among the most thoroughly investigated processes. Although certain insect groups have historically dominated pollination research due to their abundance and effectiveness, many lesser-known flower visitors also warrant attention. Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae and Myrmosidae) provide a compelling case study, as their ecological traits, including feeding behavior, remain poorly understood despite frequent reports of their visits to flowers. To address this gap, we assembled a worldwide synthesis of floral visitation by velvet ants, drawing on citizen science observations, published accounts, and unpublished datasets. Using network-based approaches, we examined patterns of floral use globally, across bioregions, and in relation to sex-specific visitation. Additionally, we evaluated their possible contribution to pollen transport by assessing photographic evidence of pollen adhered to their bodies. Our findings indicate that velvet ants act as broad generalists, interacting with diverse flowering plant families, particularly Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rhamnaceae, and Fabaceae. While plant and velvet ant assemblages varied by region, the generalistic pattern of flower use persisted worldwide. Male and female velvet ants showed distinct floral associations, with males exhibiting broader preferences. Notably, pollen was present on 42.7% of images depicting velvet ants at flowers—likely an underestimate—paralleling observations in recognized pollinators and highlighting their potential role in pollination. These results underscore the need for further research into velvet ants and other overlooked arthropods to better understand their ecological significance as both flower visitors and possible pollinators.
