Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 8:47 am Post subject: Ambush Bugs - Do You Keep Them?
Ambush bugs are a true bug (Heteroptera) that are consummate predators. They are not a large bug, as they generally top out at around 1cm body length. But what they lack in size they make up for in beauty and feeding ability!
The taxonomic placement of ambush bugs is a little unclear to me. I have seen them as their own family (Phymatidae) and as a sub-family (Phymatinae) of Reduviidae, the Assassin family.
Their are at least two genera of ambush bugs worthy of consideration:
. . Phymata is the nominate genus and by far the most commonly found of the ambush bugs. It ranges from parts of Canada, all through the USA, to at least as far south as Mexico. Phymata have strongly raptorial forelegs which are used to snare and spear prey items.
. . Macrocephalus (big-head) is another genus, but found far less often and will not be the concentration of this mini-article.
Phymata species come in a wide range of colors and patterns, but a fairly narrow range of body shapes. The general body shape is like a true bug with front legs modified to raptor appendages and body ornamented with many little processes and "extrusions". Mature Phymata possess functional wings (as do most true bugs, i think) but are not gifted fliers in the least. They tend to have poor object avoidance, especially for objects in motion. They are also not the speediest of runners, as their raptorial legs are ill suited to helping them in moving. A lack of ability to chase down prey, combined with the coloration and body shape is why these cool little bugs are known as ambush bugs. Typical hunting behavior for Phymata involves finding a prime looking flower to wait on and remaining motionless, letting their camouflage do the work for them.
There may be people who like centipedes. I have seen people handling tarantulas and scorpions, but never a centipede handler. I would regard such a person with deep suspicion...Now what sort of man or woman or monster would stroke a centipede on its underbelly "And here is my big good centipede." If such a man exists, I say kill him without more ado. He is a traitor to the human race.
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