Pennsylvania Ambush Bug

Phymata pennsylvanica

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phymata pennsylvanica: //faɪˈmeɪtə ˌpɛn.sɪlˈvæn.ɪ.kə//

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 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.
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 (43538627641) by Melissa McMasters from Memphis, TN, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Pennsylvania jagged ambush bug (Phymata pennsylvanica) by WanderingMogwai. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Pennsylvania jagged ambush bug (Phymata pennsylvanica) -2 by WanderingMogwai. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Pennsylvania Ambush Bug - Phymata pennsylvanica, Point Pelee National Park, Leamington, Ontario by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Phymata pennsylvanica, or the Pennsylvania jagged ambush bug, is a common ambush bug species found in North America, recognized for its predatory behavior and summer abundance.

Physical Characteristics

Males measure 7.7–8.7 mm, females measure 9.0–9.6 mm.

Identification Tips

Look for their jagged body shape and camouflage against flowers.

Habitat

Commonly found in flower gardens and meadows.

Distribution

Primarily east of the Mississippi River, from southern Canada to Florida, and west over the Ozark Plateau.

Diet

Predatory, known to prey on common hoverflies such as Syritta pipiens.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator, it helps control the population of hoverflies and other insects.

Tags

  • Pennsylvania ambush bug
  • Phymata pennsylvanica
  • Reduviidae
  • North America
  • predatory insect