Phymatinae

This is an ambush bug. Both the adult and nymph lie in wait on flowers and prey on insects that visit the flowers. This insect relies on its camouflage to remain unnoticed until it is close enough to capture its prey with its raptorial forelegs, similar to a preying mantis. Ambush bugs all have similar piercing-sucking mouthparts that are used to liquify and ingest the insides of their prey items.

Order: Hemiptera
Family: Reduviidae

Photograph: © 2007 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 14 July 2007
Location:Montana, Gallatin Co. (45o43'41" N 111o08'11" W)