Subfamily Phymatinae - Ambush Bugs

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

Two's Company, Three is a Crowd! - Phymata fasciata - male - female

Ambush Bug, Phymata americana - Phymata americana

Goldenrod Insect - Phymata pennsylvanica

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

See Phymata

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.

Contributed by Charley Eiseman on 16 April, 2009 - 8:18am
Additional contributions by cotinis, v belov
Last updated 13 March, 2015 - 3:33am

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