Ambush Bugs - Do You Keep Them?

[cacoseraph]

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 can also be found in Europe and possibly other parts of the world. 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.


IMAGES:
Body Shape & Color:
. top view, shows general body shape --> http://www.robsplants.com/images/critters/Phymata040913.jpg ( http://www.robsplants.com/critters/bugbeetles.php )
. cool frosted green color --> http://www.virginmedia.com/digital/science/pictures/insect-photography.php?ssid=12
. yellow & brown bug --> http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1087/1239588355_2099e695fc.jpg ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/7383661@N08/1239588355/ )
. green legs & brown body --> http://www.stevenanz.com/Main_Directory/Recent Photos/2008/080720_PA/original/phymata_2233.jpg ( http://www.stevenanz.com/Main_Directory/Recent Photos/2008/080720_PA/source/phymata_2233.htm )
. white & brown --> http://tolweb.org/tree/ToLimages/Phymata-crassipes.jpg ( http://tolweb.org/onlinecontributors/app?page=ViewImageData&service=external&sp=7925 )




Hunting:
. bagging a bee --> http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~sjtaylor/reduviidae/Phymata.jpg ( http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~sjtaylor/reduviidae/ReduviidPics.html )
. bagging a butterfly --> http://magickcanoe.com/insects/phymata-butterfly-large.jpg ( http://magickcanoe.com/blog/2006/07/27/more-on-the-phymata/ )
. bagging a fly --> http://www.charliesbirdblog.com/~charlie/monarch/bugclose.jpg ( http://10000birds.com/toronto-monarchs-and-an-ambushed-fly.htm )

 

[What]

I attempted to keep Phymata for awhile, the insanely long life-cycle is a challenge though.(Takes more than a year for the eggs to hatch.)

 

[cacoseraph]

really?

none of the lit i have read indicated that was necessary. and in fact, some kinda seemed to indicate counter to that


do you think keeping the eggs in your house could confuse them and retard development?

 

[What]

I had three females, all of which laid eggs. Only one group of the eggs hatched in the end, the ones I kept outside(took 1 yr. 2 months to hatch). The nymphs wouldnt feed, and were *tiny*. Not really worth it in my book

 

[cacoseraph]

that's not very heartening. maybe i can do something fridging the eggs


i just haven't come across anything that says they are anything other than a one generation a year kind of bug. overwinter as eggs, hatch in spring, mature and mate in summer, lay eggs, and are done before the winter


it sounds like i would have to get cracking on my minifeeders quest too. well, IL holds considerably fewer species of interest for me so i will still probably try these little dudes

 

[blazetown]

I've caught them on flowers and things waiting for flying insects. Never tried keeping them though.

 

[cacoseraph]

anyone?


i still haven't even seen one in nature. maybe i should go get glasses =P

 

[zonbonzovi]

Sorry for the thread resurrection. It seemed silly to start another.

I collected several pairs, some in the process of mating and wanted to inquire about:

-hatch conditions in captivity: time of year, temps/humidity
-feeding: what worked and what didn't for adults & hatchlings
-did you use goldenrod or other host plants or simple paper towel setups?
-any cannibalism?
-any links with detailed info. you know of that aren't the same repeated, cut & paste/poached/borrowed from univ. blather?