Phymata americana americana

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phymata americana americana: /faɪˈmeɪtə əˌmɛrɪˈkeɪnə əˌmɛrɪˈkeɪnə/

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Summary

Phymata americana americana, known as the ambush bug, is a subspecies of the Phymatinae family which predominantly inhabits flowering plants and predates on visiting insects. They exhibit sexual dimorphism and varying camouflage behavior based on the colors of the flowers they inhabit.

Physical Characteristics

8-10 mm in length, with sexual dimorphism; females generally larger and possess longer raptorial forelegs compared to males.

Identification Tips

Look for color variation matching the flowers they rest upon; ocellar processes high and slender in P. americana americana.

Habitat

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

Distribution

Eastern half of the United States, as well as Central America and parts of Canada and Mexico.

Diet

Feeds on a wide variety of prey including small bees, moths, and flies; ambush predator that waits on flower heads.

Reproduction

Males actively search for females, exhibiting tactile and stridulatory courtship behaviors; females can exhibit larger body size and longer weapons.

Ecosystem Role

Serves as a predator of various insect species, helping to control insect populations.

Tags

• Phymata americana
• ambush bug
• insect
• predator
• Hemiptera