Phymata pennsylvanica

Handlirsch, 1897

Pennsylvania ambush bug, Pennsylvania jagged ambush bug

Phymata pennsylvanica, the Pennsylvania , is a predatory true in the Reduviidae. It is one of the most common and widespread North American ambush bugs, characterized by its squat, diamond-shaped body and front legs adapted for seizing prey. The is known to prey on various flower-visiting insects including bees, , flies, , and butterflies. It has been documented preying specifically on the hoverfly Syritta pipiens.

Phymata pennsylvanica by no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Kranz. Used under a CC0 license.

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.

Pronunciation

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

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Images

Distribution

Found in North America.

Diet

Predatory; preys on various insects visiting flowers including bees, , flies, , and butterflies. Documented to prey on the hoverfly Syritta pipiens.

Behavior

Ambush that waits concealed among flower buds and blossoms to capture prey. Uses front legs to seize prey with speed and force; the attack is reportedly forceful enough to produce an audible snap. Delivers paralytic saliva through beak-like mouthparts that pre-digests prey internally.

Ecological Role

of flower-visiting insects; contributes to regulation of and other insect in floral .