Subfamily Phymatinae - Ambush Bugs

Classification · Synonyms and other taxonomic changes · Explanation of Names · Numbers · Identification · Remarks · See Also · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)

Suborder Heteroptera (True Bugs)

Family Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs)

Subfamily Phymatinae (Ambush Bugs)

Synonyms and other taxonomic changes

Formerly its own family, Phymatidae.

Explanation of Names

See Phymata.

Numbers

Nearctica.com lists 26 species in 3 genera (Lophoscutus, Macrocephalus, and Phymata). At least the one species of Lophoscutis is now in Macrocephalus.

Identification

Small predatory bugs with swollen, raptorial forelegs. Rear (distal) half of abdomen is expanded, wider than wings. Typically wait on vegetation, especially flowers, for prey. Antennae are 4-segmented, beak 3-segmented, tarsi 3-segmented. Two ocelli (simple eyes) are present. Resemble Assassin Bugs (Reduviidae) but have clubbed antennae; forelegs usually more modified.

Most commonly seen is genus Phymata.

Remarks

This guide page includes contributions from Troy Bartlett, Mike Boone, cotinis, Robin McLeod, and Boris Bueche, copied from the original Phymatidae guide page.

See Also

The rest of the assassin Bugs (Reduviidae) do not have clubbed antennae, and forelegs are usually not as swollen or not as modified for grasping prey.

Print References

Slater & Baranowski, pp. 118-119 (1)

Internet References

Univ. Florida, ENY 3005

Works Cited

1.	How to Know the True Bugs By Slater, James A., and Baranowski, Richard M.

Contributed by Charley Eiseman on 16 April, 2009 - 8:18am
Additional contributions by cotinis
Last updated 10 October, 2009 - 8:57pm

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