Bug Identifier
Jagged Ambush Bug
Community identification

Jagged Ambush Bug

Phymata species

Order & Family
Hemiptera: Reduviidae
Size
8 mm to 12 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.