
Community identification
Jagged Ambush Bug
Phymata species
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Reduviidae
- Size
- 8 mm to 12 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inches)
Natural Habitat
Commonly found on flowers, particularly yellow ones like goldenrod, in gardens, meadows, and fields.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds on other insects like bees, flies, and butterflies by ambushing them and injecting paralyzing saliva.
Behavior Patterns
Excellent camouflage experts that wait motionless for prey; they have raptorial front legs similar to a praying mantis for Grabbing insects.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial to ecosystems by controlling insect populations; however, they can deliver a painful bite to humans if handled, though they are not medically significant.