These small insects perch on flowers or leaves, and then wait, and wait and wait, for the next meal to arrive. Looking just like pieces of vegetation, ambush bugs sit motionless, but in a lightning move, these bugs live up to their name. With amazing speed, they grab their prey with strong legs and insert a needle-like beak to finish the job.
Legs Plus: The ambush bug's front legs have evolved into spiky claws. In the blink of an eye, the bug grabs its victim in these strong limbs. The inner edges of the claws have sharp teeth that dig into the prey if it struggles.
Secret Stab: Hidden beneath this bug's head is a needle-like beak. This insect extends the beak only to stab prey. The ambush bug then injects venomous enzymes that liquefy the victim's insides, so the predator can suck up its meal.
Undercover Bug[]
An ambush bug practices patience.
Ambush bugs hide themselves from predators and prey alike. A species in North America is colored bright yellow and green-just like the sunflowers and other plants on which it hunts. Other ambush bugs are decorated with leaf-like flaps and pointy spikes, which camouflage them while waiting for prey. The sharp projectiles also discourage enemies from biting into the bugs' prickly bodies.
Tongue-Tied: Ambush bugs have no problem tackling prey several times their size. They've even been seen grabbing bees by the tongue as the stinging insects feed on flower pollen.
Wee Wings: All species of ambush bug have wings, but these insects don't fly very often. They take to the air only if a pesky predator threatens them, or when they need to set up an ambush on a new flower.
Awesome Ambush[]
- When an ambush bug is on the prowl, its rests on a flower and sits perfectly still while it waits for its prey to come along. The bug may stay on the same plant for hours until an insect flies in to feed on the plant's pollen.
- While its prey goes about its business, the ambush bug gets ready to strike. The bug instantly lashes out with its clawed front legs and holds the struggling insect while injecting venom into its victim's body.
Trivia[]
- The ambush bug on the front is possibly a Phymata americana or Phymata fasciata.
- The prey featured in "Awesome Ambush" is likely a Flower Fly.