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larose forest photos | all galleries >> INSECTS (INSECTA) (28 Galleries) >> True bugs (Hemiptera) (10 Sub-galleries) >> Ambush Bugs (Family: Reduviidae, Subfamily: Phymatinae) > Ambush bugs (Phymata)
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26-AUG-2012 Christine Hanrahan

Ambush bugs (Phymata)

I find these small bugs weirdly engaging. Like something out of a sci-fi movie. Their common name is well given, for they will hide on flowers, sitting patiently until an insect lands near enough for the reach out and grab. They will take creatures much bigger than themselves. And sometimes, and this is rather macabre, I have seen ambush bugs sucking out the juices of a bee (for example), while another predatory insect, a wasp for example, is devouring the rest of the trapped insect. It would be no fun to be a bug.

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
1/200s f/2.8 at 5.0mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
Esa Ervasti07-Sep-2012 13:18
You have a bunch of grazy captures of insects, this one of them!
laine04-Sep-2012 22:01
A face only a mother could love :0) Great find, Christine
Karen Stuebing04-Sep-2012 21:35
The bug world does seem rather grisly. This bug is attractive in a weird way. V.
globalgadabout04-Sep-2012 13:36
what a fearsome fellow...so glad to read they are small...V
Guest 04-Sep-2012 11:33
Transformers? v
Yvonne04-Sep-2012 10:29
Wow, they are a queer looking bug, and what a story - poor bee!
Julie Tremblay04-Sep-2012 09:43
Just incredible!!! V.
Patrick Goossens04-Sep-2012 08:38
My god, what a monstress bug. Something alien!
Stephanie04-Sep-2012 08:03
Amazing! Your info is simply amazing!
slhoornstra04-Sep-2012 07:08
Amazing, wish I could see one!! V
Linda & Pär Johansson04-Sep-2012 06:32
An incredible close-up on these terrifying bugs! V
joseantonio04-Sep-2012 04:26
Wow, excellent close-up...V
Guest 04-Sep-2012 04:05
Looks like it just came our of its exoskeleton!
Margot W04-Sep-2012 03:17
Yes a si-fi looking creature to be sure. Where is Arnold Schwarzenegger when you need him?
janescottcumming04-Sep-2012 02:42
Looks like he should have had a part in Jurassic Park! Cool close up.
Hank Vander Velde04-Sep-2012 01:37
SUPER find and shot Christine. Good and timely info too for me as I just photographed one of these a few days ago and didn't have a clue what it was. They are sure small.
Jim Coffman04-Sep-2012 00:58
This is a great capture of on ugly looking bug! :))
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