#phymata

[razehider]

as adults, ambush bugs are tiny, sneaky, and in my case, rare enough to make photographing them a pain in the ass (although that doesn't stop me since they're some of my favorites). when they're nymphs like this Phymata monstrosa, all of those nightmarish qualities intensify and i only originally spotted it because it was having a feast in an area mysteriously full of diapriid wasps - the perfect pint-sized snack for this child

(August 8th, 2025)

[eviekean]

These are my favorite bugs to photograph, they look so alien!

Jagged ambush bugs, genus Phymata, most likely Phymata americana and Phymata pennsylvanica

[usgsbiml]

Hey want something to do with your one valuable life? Figure out the proper species boundaries for ambush bugs in North America (Phymata). These lovelies come in many colors and are thought to be over-described. Really, who wouldn't want to work on this group? This particular petit four lime flower dragon was found on the Beltsville Ag Center in Maryland. #phymata #dragon #ambushbug

[herpsandbirds]

Hello again from New York! Was fascinated by the shape of this guy. I found it very silly.

Bug ID - NY, USA:

Hello, yes, this silly friend is a Pennsylvania Ambush Bug (Phymata pennsylvanica), family Reduviidae.

Species Phymata pennsylvanica - Pennsylvania Ambush Bug - BugGuide.Net

[shrimpquoter]

Imsofucked up over ambush bugs.. does anyone know if we have ambush bugs ever… I only saw one last summer and it wasnwjile at work so I couldn’t marvel at it for more than a minute sigh sigh isihgh hohhhh… zi misss . Them

[onenicebugperday]

@asslockpick submitted: could i get an id on this guy? found in [removed] (pls remove) thank you!!

Sure can! It's an ambush bug, which is a type of assassin bug :) Wise to avoid picking them up, they can give you a painful jab with their mouth tube.

[cnestus]

jagged ambush bug (Phymata sp.)

[celestialmacros]

Recently molted Jagged Ambush Bug (Phymata sp.)

September 5, 2019

Southeastern Pennsylvania