Ambush Bugs

Phymatinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
Family: Reduviidae
Subfamily: Phymatinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phymatinae: /faɪˈmætɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Phymata pennsylvanica (Reduviidae) - (imago), Niagara (NY), United States - 2 by

This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Observation.org, a global biodiversity recording project.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pennsylvania Ambush Bug - Phymata pennsylvanica, Point Pelee National Park, Leamington, Ontario by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Phymata borica - inat 56900091 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Handlirsch pl 4 3 by Author: A. Handlirsch; M. Freih. v. Schlereth (artist); Th. Bannwarth, Vienna (printer). Used under a Public domain license.

Jagged Ambush Bug (Phymata sp.) - Guelph, Ontario by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Phymata americana (Reduviidae) - (imago), Jefferson (NY), United States by

This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Observation.org, a global biodiversity recording project.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Phymatinae, or ambush bugs, are a subfamily of predatory hemipterans known for their ability to camouflage and ambush prey. They exhibit unique physical traits such as raptorial forelegs and are found worldwide, except in Australia and New Zealand.

Physical Characteristics

Phymatinae are 5–12 mm (0.20–0.47 in) long, characterized by pronounced raptorial forelegs, clubbed antennae with four segments, a three-segmented beak, and three-segmented tarsi. The rear half of the abdomen is wider than the wings. Members of this subfamily are typically shorter, stouter, and more colorful than classic assassin bugs, with larger heads in proportion to their bodies.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinct raptorial forelegs and clubbed antennae. The triangular scutellum is shorter than the pronotum in Phymata species, while Macrocephalus has a narrow and rounded scutellum extending to the tip of the abdomen.

Habitat

Ambush bugs are found on vegetation, particularly flowers, where they utilize their camouflage to wait for prey.

Distribution

Widespread in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions globally, excluding Australia and New Zealand.

Diet

Predatory, primarily feeding on pollinators and other invertebrates by ambushing them.

Ecosystem Role

Ambush bugs play a role in controlling the population of pollinators and other invertebrates, functioning as predators in various ecosystems.

Evolution

Phymatinae are hypothesized to have evolved coloration adaptations for camouflage, particularly to blend in with the flowers of their host plants. They are a sister group to Holoptilinae and were previously treated as a separate family.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Ambush bugs are commonly confused with spiders due to their hunting method and appearance, but they are insects and belong to the Hemiptera order.