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Subfamily Phymatinae - Ambush Bugs

ambush bug with prey and visitors - Phymata Phymata erosa? - Phymata Jagged Ambush Bug - Phymata americana - male Ambush Bug - Phymata fasciata Ambush Bug    Phymata? - Phymata 9003581 Phymata - Phymata pennsylvanica Phymata sp. #2 - Phymata fasciata Phymatinae sp? - Phymata
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder Heteroptera (True Bugs)
Infraorder Cimicomorpha
Family Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs)
Subfamily Phymatinae (Ambush Bugs)
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Formerly treated as a separate family, Phymatidae(1)
Explanation of Names
Phymatinae Laporte 1832
Numbers
27 described spp. in 3 genera in our area(2), >280 spp. in 26 genera worldwide(1)
Identification
predatory bugs with dilated raptorial forelegs, clubbed antennae, and rear half of abdomen expanded (much wider than wings). Antennae are 4-segmented, beak 3-segmented, tarsi 3-segmented. Typically wait for prey on vegetation, especially flowers. In other subfamilies, antennae are not clubbed and forelegs usually not as dilated (if raptorial, modified otherwise).
Phymata spp. are the most commonly seen members.
Print References
(3)
Works Cited
1.Biodiversity of the Heteroptera
Henry T.J. 2009. In: Foottit R.G., Adler P.H., eds. Insect biodiversity: Science and society. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell: 223−263.
2.American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico
Ross H. Arnett. 2000. CRC Press.
3.Revision of Phymatinae (Hemiptera, Phymatidae)
Kormilev N. 1960. Philippine J. Sci. 89: 287-486.