Ambush Bugs
What are they?
Ambush Bugs were once considered to form their own family, but they are now generally considered to form a subfamily of the Assassin Bug family (Reduviidae). These bugs get their name from their habit of lying motionless in wait for prey; they usually wait in a well-hidden location, close to flowers. They are very voracious feeders and will not think twice aobut taking on insects much larger than themselves. They can be distinguished by their armour-like appearance and the hook-like front limbs that are used for grasping prey.
Identification
Several members of this group are found in our area, but separating the species from each other is complicated by a lack of clarity over identification and distribution of the species.
Phymata ambush bugs
Small, cryptically shaped bugs that are common, but not often seen as they hide so well. Nymphs tend to be mostly whitish in color and have short wing stubs. Adults have dark markings and are fully winged.
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