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Phymatinae
A field of flowers is a thing of beauty, but within it a tiny predator lays in wait for the unwary. The Ambush Bug (Phymatinae) lies hidden among the flowering plants on which other insects live and feed. This crafty predator is a master of disguise, easily blending in with its surroundings.
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No doubt we've all been close to one but their camouflage and tiny size keep them well hidden among the flowers. It's lucky for us they are completely harmless to humans.
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Flowers
Ambush Bugs can be found on many kinds of wild flowers. Anywhere you see groups of flowers there is a good chance you'll find Ambush Bugs if you search hard enough.
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Antennae
Note the large antennae on the Ambush Bug. Each antennae has 4 segments with the final segments thicker and darker than the rest.
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Young Ambush Bug
Young Ambush Bug nymphs vary in color from pure white to shades of green and yellow. Though they only possess wings as adults we can see wings developing on this subadult. The next time this nymph molts (sheds its skin) the fin to each side of its body will expand into fully developed wings. It can then use them to escape danger or travel to fresh hunting grounds.
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Wings
The underdeveloped wings in this nymph can easily be mistaken for thorns on a plant. The dark band of demarcation helps to create this illusion. Since thorns are generally avoided this discourages other predators from seeing the Ambush Bug as a meal.
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Color Patterns
The other patterns of color on the Ambush Bug help to break up its visual profile. This is an important feature we find in many examples of camouflage.
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Motion
Part of the Ambush Bug's defense is its tendency to remain completely motionless. In general it only moves to attack or to find a better perch. When it does move it does so in short jerky motions.
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Full Grown Adults
Full grown adults are still small enough to fit on the tip of your finger. This doesn't stop them from representing a danger to much larger insects. Their front legs are specialized claws for grabbing and holding prey, not unlike a praying mantis. While 4 rear legs are equipped with hooked feet to hold them securely in place as prey struggle to escape.
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Claws
Both the upper (tibia) and thicker lower section (femur) of each grabbing arm are lined with sharp spines that mesh together like teeth. This combined with the Ambush Bug's strength keeps prey from escaping their grasp.
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Color Patterns
Again we can see how the contrast of lighter and darker body sections can easily be mistaken for separate objects rather than part of a single creature. The banding on the abdomen breaks the visual profile helping the Ambush Bug to blend into the background. This form of camouflage is known as disruptive coloration.
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Ridges
The back and head of the Ambush Bug feature irregular protrusions and ridges. These knobby bumps serve not only as protective armor but also help with camouflage.
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Well Equipped
Although only a fraction of their size, Ambush Bugs are well equipped to handle insects as large as bumblebees and butterflies. Once an Ambush Bug has prey in its grasp it is time to feed. They do so by penetrating prey with a sharp beak (rostellum) and drinking its body fluids. When not in use this beak remains folded away under the Ambush Bug's head.
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The Beak
Made up of 3 sections the beak folds neatly under the head and chest of the Ambush Bug. Its sharp tip can easily penetrate most insects. The Ambush Bug will seek out the gaps between prey's armored plates if necessary.
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Digestion
Once inserted, the beak injects enzymes that paralyze prey and work to break down tissue into liquid. The beak then serves as a straw allowing the Ambush Bug to drink its victim.
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Claws
Note how the raptorial claws are just the right length to allow the Ambush Bug to insert its beak. This allows it to easily feed on anything within its grasp.
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Sharing Prey
Once adult Ambush Bugs seek out a mate. The larger female will carry the male on her back for weeks with the pair often sharing prey. Females deposit a clutch of ova (eggs) hidden on plants. The ova are laid one at a time and secured in place using a foam that hardens once dried. The following Spring the ova will hatch tiny nymphs that disperse into the surrounding brush.
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Sharing Prey
It's common for the pair to share prey captured by the female but given the chance the male too will capture prey. However, his unwillingness to leave the female's back limits his reach.
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Mating
Though the male will piggyback the female for weeks the reproductive act itself is brief. To reach the female sex organs he must climb to her side, but first he will vigorously bob his head making the female aware of his intentions. This process will repeat many times over their weeks of contact.
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Ova
Once she's found a mate the female deposits groups of 15-20 ova every few days. She takes care to find a new location each time to avoid her nymphs having to compete for food. The ova are shaped like rounded jars with a flat hatch on top through which the nymphs will emerge.
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