Ambush bugs will prey on creatures much larger than themselves including bees, butterflies, moths, and flies
How does a creature get the name ambush bug? These stealthy bugs sit on flowers and wait for other creatures to get too close. This behavior isn’t unique, in fact we featured a predator that displays this same behavior, the goldenrod crab spider.
So, what makes ambush bugs different? When ambush bugs attack, they use their front arms, which have pinchers that resemble a praying mantis. Ambush bugs will prey on creatures much larger than themselves including bees, butterflies, moths, and flies. After ambushing its prey, it injects a venom and digestive fluid that liquifies the inside of its prey. The ambush bug then uses its straw-like beak to consume the insides of its prey.
In this photo, we have caught these two ambush bugs breeding. If you look closely, these bugs have reddish-orange eyes. They have short clubbed antennae. Their green arms and legs contrast their brown and black body coloration. The body profile of ambush bugs is best described as jagged. These animated creatures are typically less than ½ inch long. The males tend to be darker and have more spots (top individual in photo).
What is that green bug? The green bug on the left side of the Queen Anne’s lace flower is called a golden-eyed lacewing. This bug is about an inch long, with transparent wings. This bright green color is typical, but they can also be brown in the fall.
The body profile of ambush bugs is best described as jagged
Why is this flower called Queen Anne’s lace? Some state that it is named after Queen Anne’s lace headdress, which had a similar pattern. Another legend associated with the flower states that Queen Anne II pricked her finger working on lace and a drop of her blood got on the lace. This resembles the look of the flower. Although it is hard to tell from this photo, this flower is all white with a small red center.
Did you know?
- Queen Anne’s lace is a cousin to the carrot. The flowers of the Queen Anne’s lace smell like carrots. If you pulled the plant out of the ground, you would see a whitish carrot looking root, which is edible.
- There was a DC Comics character named Ambush Bug!
This photo was taken at the Bangor City Forest in Maine. If you look closely, you will find another bug in this photo. Hint: Look underneath the flower.
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