Jagged Ambush Bugs

Phymata

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phymata: /faɪˈmeɪtə/

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

Phymata americana, known as the ambush bug, is a predatory insect that lies in wait on flowers to catch prey. They exhibit sexual dimorphism in size and color, and display unique mating behaviors. They are found mostly in open habitats in North America and Central America, where they play a role in controlling insect populations.

Physical Characteristics

Males tend to be darker than females. Females are often larger than males and possess disproportionately longer raptorial forelegs, which are used to capture prey.

Identification Tips

Look for ambush bugs resting on flowers, preferring yellow or blue flowers. Sexual dimorphism is apparent; adults show variation in coloration with males typically being darker.

Habitat

Open fields of flowering plants near rural forest edges, farms, and urban areas.

Distribution

Holarctic and Neotropical regions, with most diversity in the southwestern United States.

Diet

Feeds on small insects including bees, moths, and flies. Predatory behavior involves ambushing prey from flowers using raptorial forelegs.

Life Cycle

Eggs, nymphs, final molt, adults; mating occurs with the male mounted on the side of the female.

Reproduction

Males actively search for females and may guard them from competitors. Tactile and stridulatory behaviors are part of courtship.

Ecosystem Role

Predators of small insects, contributing to the regulation of insect populations in their habitats.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting from flowers
  • Hand collection

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Pinning for museum specimens

Evolution

Sexual dimorphism and polymorphism in coloration evolved potentially due to prey capture strategies and environmental adaptation.

Misconceptions

Common misconceptions may pertain to the danger posed to humans; they are not harmful to people.

Tags

  • Ambush Bug
  • Predator
  • Insect
  • Phymatinae