Common Name: Ambush Bug Latin Name:
Phymata americana americana Melin, 1930
(R. Bercha, det.)
Length: 9 - 11 mm
Range: Southern Alberta
Habitat: Only in the Prairies
Time of year seen: Summer
(Additional Sightings)
Diet: Insects
Other: P. americana americana is one of only
two species of Ambush
Bug in Alberta. Typically the bug will use it's yellow and brown
coloration to camouflage itself on a yellow flower (such as goldenrod) and
then wait to ambush an unsuspecting pollinating insect. The front legs
of the Ambush Bug are very strong and it can capture insects as large as
Bumblebees and Butterflies. After the victim is pinned the Ambush Bug
injects digestive juices into it and sucks the soup out. (J. Acorn, 2000) |