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Photo#5254
Jagged Ambush Bug with Prey - Phymata pennsylvanica - female
Copyright © 2004 Tony DiTerlizzi

Jagged Ambush Bug with Prey - Phymata pennsylvanica - Female
Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
July 25, 2004
Shot on newly blossomed goldenrod. Looks like it's nabbed a Sweat bee.

I am guessing it is a female based on the fact that it was found near the 2 mating individuals I shot a couple of days ago:
Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi on 26 July, 2004 - 7:26pm
Last updated 26 July, 2004 - 9:40pm

Prey item
Looks to me like the prey item is a cuckoo wasp (Chrysididae), but obviously the photographer didn't care enough to focus on the more important insect:-) Ha! Tongue firmly in cheek, Tony.
… Eric R. Eaton, 27 July, 2004 - 11:20am

 
Cuckoos...
Come on Eric, I was initially going to Photoshop in a Big Mac...wouldn't that have been more interesting?
:^D
Seriously, is the Cuckoo wasp an uncommon species? I can keep an eye peeled the next time, you know how the goldenrod attracts all kinds of critters...
… Tony DiTerlizzi, 27 July, 2004 - 7:38pm

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