Phymata americana
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
- Family: Reduviidae
- Subfamily: Phymatinae
- Genus: Phymata
- Species: americana
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phymata americana: /faɪˈmaːta æməˈrɪkənə/
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Images
Summary
Phymata americana, commonly known as the ambush bug, is a predatory insect found predominantly on flowering plants in North America and Central America. It employs ambush tactics to capture prey, showcasing sexual dimorphism in size and weapon morphology, with females generally larger than males.
Physical Characteristics
Males: 8.1–9.2 mm; Females: 9.6–10.74 mm. Characteristics include undilated connexival segments forming a smooth margin, especially apparent in males.
Identification Tips
Easiest to separate by the undilated connexival segments which form a more or less smooth margin. In the eastern states, the large size (7-12 mm) narrows down the possibilities to P. americana, P. fasciata, and P. pennsylvanica.
Habitat
Found in open fields of flowering plants near rural forest edges, farms, and urban areas.
Distribution
Across southern Canada, northeastern U.S. to the Rocky Mountains and into the deserts and shrublands of southwestern U.S. (west to AZ) and northern Mexico; largely absent from southeastern U.S.
Diet
Feeds on a wide variety of prey, most often including small bees, moths, and flies.
Reproduction
Males actively search for females, producing tactile and stridulatory courtship behaviors. Males may guard females from competitors during mating.
Ecosystem Role
Ambush predator that plays a role in controlling populations of small insects such as bees, moths, and flies.
Tags
- Ambush Bug
- Predatory Insect
- North America
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Insect Behavior