Ambush Bugs

Family Phymatidae

Phymata pennsylvanica. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Ambush bugs, as the name suggests, are predators that sit and ambush their prey. They feed mainly on relatively large bees, wasps and flies. They often hide within goldenrod flowers where they are very well camouflaged. Ambush bugs are easily recognized by their stout body with large projections on the thorax and abdomen. They are greenish yellow and brown. The front legs are short and raptorial.